Ireland Fixtures Confirmed For New Zealand
The dates and venues for Ireland’s three-match tour to New Zealand in June 2012 have been confirmed. Ireland will be the first team to play the newly-crowned Rugby World Cup champions when they kick off the series at Eden Park on Saturday, June 9.
Ireland will also face New Zealand in Christchurch – marking the return of international rugby to the city.
New Zealand have confirmed the three-match Steinlager Series against Ireland for June 2012 with the series kicking off at Eden Park, the scene of Ireland’s historic win over Australia at the Rugby World Cup. That match takes place on Saturday, June 9.
The second game will be held at the redeveloped Rugby League Park in Christchurch. The third and final Test between the All Blacks and Ireland has been pencilled in for Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, June 23.
Speaking yesterday, NZRU CEO Steve Tew said: “Ireland really set the Rugby World Cup on fire and it will be great to have them back in New Zealand next year.
“It is particularly special that they will play in Christchurch at the redeveloped Rugby League Park – the first Test match in Christchurch since the Canterbury earthquakes.”
Ireland will also play a match against the Barbarians in the week prior to departing for New Zealand – the date and venue for that game have yet to be confirmed.
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