Scott Bemand's Ireland side to host Australia in Belfast as part of 150th anniversary celebrations

Ireland Women will host Australia in Belfast this September for a Test match as part of Irish Rugby's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Scott Bemand's side will take on the Wallaroos, currently fifth in the World Rugby rankings, on Saturday, 14 September.

The fixture will also serve as important preparation for Ireland ahead of the second edition of WXV this autumn, with Bemand's side set to compete in the top tier of the competition in Canada following a third-place finish in the Six Nations.

"We are really pleased to add this Test match into our fixture list at the start of next season, providing the squad with a valuable preparation window ahead of our WXV campaign in September and October," head coach Bemand, whose side are ranked ninth, said.

"Australia will be coming off the Pacific Four competition, which kicks off this month. It's a great chance for us to play an opponent with a different game style.

"The added backdrop of this match kicking off Irish Rugby's 150th Anniversary celebrations will make it an occasion to remember, and we look forward to getting back up to Belfast where we have received incredible support during the Six Nations."

The kick-off time, broadcast arrangements and ticket details to be confirmed in due course.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, the IRFU will mark the 150th anniversary of Ireland’s inaugural international rugby match with a calendar of events to celebrate the game of rugby in Ireland.

Andy Farrell's Ireland will also take on Australia in the 150th Anniversary Challenge Match at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 30 November, the fourth and final fixture of the Autumn Nations Series line-up for the Six Nations champions.

Meanwhile, England will host France and New Zealand this autumn in the build-up