Ireland XV to kick off season against Fiji ‘A’ at Virgin Media Park

The team will be coached by Mark Sexton who will be assisted by Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne and Seamus Toomey.

The team will be coached by Mark Sexton (pictured), who will be assisted by Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne and Seamus Toomey. Pic: Craig Watson/Inpho

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026 - 10:57

Ireland XV will return to action for the first of three outings during the 2026/27 season when they face Fiji ‘A’ at Virgin Media Park on Friday, 20 November (kick-off, 7.45pm).

Fiji ‘A’ will be the visitors to Cork this November, before Ireland XV take on Chile at Queen’s University in Belfast on Friday, 12 February and travel to Sandy Park in Exeter to face England ‘A’ on Saturday, 20 February during the Guinness Men's Six Nations window.

The team will be coached by Mark Sexton who will be assisted by Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne and Seamus Toomey.

Commenting on the fixture announcement, IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: “The Ireland XV programme is an important part of our player development pathway, providing players of national interest with the opportunity to experience the standards, expectations and environment of the senior international set-up.

“These fixtures help bridge the gap between provincial rugby and the senior international squad, allowing players to test themselves against quality opposition while gaining valuable experience in a national team environment.

"They also give us an opportunity to assess players, build relationships and develop greater depth across the player pool.

“Matches such as the upcoming one against Fiji ‘A’ in Cork are a valuable part of that process, challenging players in different ways and helping to ensure we continue to develop a strong group of players capable of competing in green at international level.”

November’s clash against Fiji ‘A’ will be part of an exciting double-header at Virgin Media Park, with Ireland U20s set to go head-to-head with Scotland in an uncapped match at 5pm.

Be the first to know the latest news and updates