Ireland Rugby anticipates major 2026-27 international schedule
By Sydney HarmonIreland Rugby’s men’s and women’s national teams are charting ambitious paths for 2026 and 2027, with comprehensive schedules across multiple high-stakes international competitions. Both squads aim to build on recent strong performances, facing key opponents in their respective campaigns.
The Irish women’s team enters an active period, featuring in the WXV Global Series where they will compete against the USA, Japan, and South Africa twice. This WXV Global Series participation follows a notable run to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and a third-place finish in the Women’s Six Nations 2026. After WXV, the team will turn its attention to the Six Nations, seeking to improve upon its previous three wins from five matches.
Men's squad targets Nations Championship, World Cup
Andy Farrell’s men secured second place in the Men’s Six Nations, setting a promising tone for their 2026 engagements. They have recorded two wins from three matches in the new Nations Championship. The men’s team is slated for November fixtures at Aviva Stadium, welcoming Argentina, Fiji, and South Africa, with aspirations of topping the northern hemisphere standings ahead of the new Nations Championship schedule.
Beyond 2026, the focus sharpens on 2027, which includes the Six Nations leading into the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. A primary objective for the men in green will be to advance beyond the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, a barrier they have yet to overcome.
Women's Six Nations, World Cup ambitions
The women’s team demonstrated a significant upward trend with their performance in the Women's Six Nations. Their progression to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals suggests a squad capable of further success on the international stage. Facing diverse opposition in the WXV Global Series will provide valuable experience and preparation.
Global Rugby Landscape and other nations
This intensive schedule for Ireland aligns with broader international rugby developments. While Ireland prepares, other nations like England, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales are also firming up their own fixture lists. For instance, there is an expanded Springbok Women reveal expanded 49-player 2026 Test squad, reflecting a similar commitment to developing women's rugby globally. Meanwhile, updates on various international and club sides provide world rugby coverage on the global rugby landscape, including Ioane recalled to All Blacks for Ireland; Springbok Women prep begins.