Wallabies to host Ireland in 2018

The Wallabies will host Ireland in the first three-Test series ever played between the two nations next year, it was announced Wednesday.

The matches will kick off in Brisbane on June 9, followed by Melbourne a week later and then Sydney on June 23.

"The rivalry between the two nations has grown enormously in recent years with some memorable encounters," said Australian Rugby Union chief Bill Pulver.

"With a huge number of Irish expats living in Australia, Ireland will enjoy strong support."

The announcement was made in Sydney as Irish President Michael Higgins visited the ARU headquarters during a state visit Down Under.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne said games involving the two nations always generated big interest.

"The Irish diaspora are renowned for supporting the Irish team when they visit their new homes so we know there will be a party atmosphere to match the world class rugby," he said.

Ireland won their two most-recent encounters with the Wallabies by a three-point margin (2014 and 2016, both in Dublin), but have not played a Test in Australia since 2010.

They have played two Tests on tour against the Wallabies on four previous occasions (1979, 1994, 1999 and 2003), but never has the Lansdowne Cup been contested over three matches.

It will be a formidable task for the Irish, with Australia not losing at home to them since 1979.

Source: AFP