The Ireland squad and touring party touched down in Wellington on Sunday, as the countdown really begins towards next weekend’s Test match against a rebuilding New Zealand side.
Ireland’s interim head coach Michael Bradley was boosted for the tour by the news that team captain Brian O’Driscoll will be linking up with the squad, following the death of a close friend.
O’Driscoll and Geordan Murphy and Eoin Reddan, who both played in Saturday’s Guinness Premiership final at Twickenham, will be late arrivals in Wellington.
Bradley said: “The three of them will be at Tuesday’s training session or Thursday’s. Brian was with us right up until the Baa Baas match and Geordan and Eoin were involved in the Six Nations (when) the systems were in place.
“They’re smart rugby players and they’ll do their homework for our match on Saturday, so it’s not really an issue for us.”
The Irish squad travelled Down Under with former Ireland soccer captain Roy Keane, the current Sunderland manager, who will be observing the All Blacks at close quarters as he attempts to complete his UEFA Pro coaching licence.
To view photos of the Ireland squad arriving at Wellington Airport, please click here.
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