Rugby League Ireland (RLI) has confirmed details of this autumn’s senior international fixtures.
Ireland will compete in a round robin competition alongside Scotland and France in October and November. These will be the Irish Wolfhounds’ first full international test matches since the country’s recent promotion to full member status by both the Rugby League European Federation and the Rugby League International Federation.
Ireland will start the tournament against Scotland in Glasgow on the 16th of October before returning to Limerick where they will face France in Thomond Park on the 4th of November. This will be the first time that Thomond Park will host a game of rugby league making it the third international sport to be held at the Limerick venue.
The October and November matches will mark the debut of Ireland’s recently appointed head coach, Mark Aston, in the international arena. “I see the role as a great challenge which really excites me and I’m looking forward to getting the best out of the players I’ll be working with,” he commented.
“It’s important that we get a squad of players together that want to be part of Ireland Rugby League and we will work on team spirit and togetherness as we start our preparations for the World Cup in 2013.”
Gordon Mathews, General Manager of Rugby League Ireland, said: “This international series is part of European rugby league’s increasingly significant representative calendar. Our matches with Scotland and France will play an important part in our preparation for what lies ahead in 2013.
“For the first time Rugby League Ireland will play an international in Limerick in the famous Thomond Park. We’ve already received great encouragement from organisations in the city and region and will be working hard to ensure that the fixture attracts the attention and support that it deserves.”
RLEF AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL SERIES
Scotland v Ireland, Sunday October 16 – Scotstoun, Glasgow (kick-off:2.00pm)
France v Scotland, Saturday October 29 – Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan (kick-off: 3.00pm)
Ireland v France, Friday November 4 – Thomond Park, Limerick (kick-off: 8.00pm)
