The IRFU have confirmed the opponents for the Autumn Internationals in 2020 and 2021 as they announce a new broadcasting deal with Channel 4, with Ireland set to take on the All Blacks.
Because of the World Cup in Japan next year, there will be no November series but the much-enjoyed competition will return in 2020 with Ireland set to take on Australia and South Africa in Dublin with a third team still to be announced.
New Zealand travel to Dublin this November for a highly anticipated clash against Joe Schmidt’s side but following that, we will have to wait until 2021 to see them on these shores again. Ireland will also face Argentina in a Test match. A third opponent is yet to be announced.
The last time Ireland faced the All Blacks in Dublin was in 2016, two weeks after their historic win in Soldiers Field, Chicago. A number of missed opportunities saw Schmidt’s side lose out by 21-9.
The home side have had little luck against Steven Hansen’s men in recent times. In 2013, a late Ryan Crotty try saw New Zealand snatch victory at the death.
Next year’s World Cup will run from September 20 to the final on November 2 with Ireland set to take on hosts, Japan, Scotland, Russia and Samoa in the group stages.
Channel 4 have secured the rights to broadcast Ireland’s November interternationals for the next four years, including this year’s clashes with Argentina, USA and the All Blacks. RTE will continue to broadcast the games having signed a contract extension in December with rights secured until 2021.
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November Series Fixtures 2018
Ireland v Italy, Soldiers Field, November 3.
Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, November 10.
Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, November 17.
Ireland v USA, Aviva Stadium, November 24.
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November Series Fixtures 2020
Ireland v Australia, TBC
Ireland v South Africa, TBC
(Third fixture yet to be announced)
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November Series Fixtures 2021
Ireland v New Zealand, TBC
Ireland v Argentina, TBC
(Third fixture yet to be announced)
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