Ireland confirmed for third tier of inaugural WXV competition

Ireland's participation in the third tier of World Rugby's inaugural WXV tournament has been confirmed.

They will be part of a six-team cross-pool format alongside one other European side, as well as one each from Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America.

A host for WXV 3 has yet to be announced, with the venue dependent on the nations qualifying, but fixtures will take place on 14, 21 and 28 October.

The competition's top tier, WXV 1, will be hosted by New Zealand and will feature the top three from this year's Tik Tok Women's Six Nations England, France and Wales.

WXV 2, which Ireland will be aiming to eventually gain promotion to, will be hosted by South Africa and has Scotland confirmed as a participant.

A play-off between Italy and Spain will determine which one of the two will initially participate in WXV 2 while the loser will join Ireland in tier three.

The World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2023 will determine the remaining three teams in WXV 1 and one team in WXV 2, with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States contesting the competition featuring the top two teams in Oceania and North America.

WXV will comprise two sides from Europe and one each from Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America. Each division in the annual tournament will be played out as a cross-pool format, with promotion and relegation - although not for the first two years leading up to the 2025 World Cup.

World Rugby is aiming for the tournament to increase "the competitiveness, reach and impact" of the 15-a-side women's game across the globe.

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