Ireland to face world champions New Zealand in WXV opener

Ireland will face world champions New Zealand in their first game of the WXV1 competition in Vancouver this September, with Scott Bemand's side also taking on hosts Canada and the USA.

The Ireland women haven’t played New Zealand since November 2016, when they lost 38-8 to the Black Ferns at the UCD Bowl.

Having won the third tier of the WXV in its inaugural season in 2023, Ireland qualified for the top division this year through their third-place finish in the Six Nations, as well as securing qualification for the 2025 World Cup in England.

Bemand’s side have avoided England in their three fixtures, but still face daunting games against New Zealand and Canada who are ranked second and third respectively in the world rankings.

Ireland open their campaign against the Black Ferns on Sunday 29 September at the 54,500 capacity BC Place in Vancouver, with kick-off at 7pm local time (30 September, 2am Irish time).

The following Saturday, 5 October, Ireland face hosts Canada at the Langley Events Centre at 3.45pm local time (11.45pm Irish), before their final game against the world number seven ranked USA on Friday 11 October, at 12.30pm (8.30pm Irish time) at BC Place.

In preparation for the tournament, the Six Nations side also host Australia in Belfast on Saturday 14 September.

Ireland's WXV1 fixtures:

Sunday 29, September, New Zealand v Ireland, in BC Place, kick off 7pm (local time) (2am Irish time)

Saturday 5, October, Canada v Ireland, in Langley Events Centre, kick off 3.45pm (local time) (11.45pm Irish time)

Friday 11, October, USA v Ireland, BC Place, kick off 12.30pm (local time) (8.30pm Irish time)