Ireland open 2027 RWC against Portugal in Sydneypublished at 09:33 GMT

09:33 GMT

France v Ireland (Thursday 5 Feb 20:10 GMT)

Craig Casey during the International Test match between Portugal and Ireland at Estádio Nacional do Jamor in LisbonImage source, Getty Images

Ireland will begin their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign on Monday, 4 October against Portugal in Sydney (07:15 BST).

The redeveloped Sydney Football Stadium, which has a capacity of 42,500, will host the first meeting between the sides at a Rugby World Cup and is the scene of Ireland’s victory over Namibia at the 2003 tournament when known as Aussie Stadium.

Following their opener, Andy Farrell’s squad will then make the long trip to Western Australia for their second Pool D fixture when they take on Scotland at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium on Sunday, 10 October (10:45 BST).

Ireland’s final game of the pool phase will see them cross country once again with the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne hosting their clash with Uruguay on Sunday, 17 October (04:45 BST).

Should Ireland advance to the last 16 as Pool D winners, they will face a best third-place team at Docklands Stadium on Sunday, 24 October (06:45 BST), while second place will see them at the same venue the previous day, 23 October at 09:15.

Ireland’s 2027 Rugby World Cup Pool D fixtures (all times BST)

4 October: Ireland v Portugal, Sydney Football Stadium, 07:15

10 October: Ireland v Scotland, Perth Stadium, 10:45

17 October: Ireland v Uruguay, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, 04:45