The Irish squad, led by head coach Scott Bemand, has been bolstered by the addition of several new coaching staff members, including former England international Alex Codling as forwards coach and Exeter Chiefs legend Gareth Steenson as kicking coach.
Ahead of the match, Bemand expressed his satisfaction with the team's preparation, emphasising the benefits of the recent Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship. "It's been great to see some competitive matches in the Interpros," he said. "It battle-hardens you and gives us an opportunity to put our best rugby out there."
Last week, Bemand named his training squad for the upcoming test, naming four Ulster players including Sophie Barrett, her first call up to the Senior Ireland Women’s team. Sophie has had an amazing season so far, her standout performances in the U20 Six Nations Summer Series earning her the MVP award and a place in the "Team of the Series." Back home, she was recognised as Ulster Rugby's Young Women's Player of the Year.
Kingspan Stadium has been a regular host of Women’s Test matches in recent seasons, including April’s memorable 15-12 victory over Scotland which secured a place in WXV1 and qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
As well as being an exciting addition to the 150th Anniversary calendar of events, the fixture will also serve as important preparation for Ireland ahead of the second edition of WXV this autumn.
Ireland will compete in the top tier of the WXV competition in Canada later this month, following their third place finish in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Tickets for the Ireland-Australia match are now available. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic occasion as Ireland celebrates 150 years of rugby.
