Rassie Erasmus has named a 46-man Springbok squad for the inaugural Nations Championship, blending the core of South Africa’s established international setup with six uncapped players and a raft of returning Vodacom Bulls stars following their URC final involvement. The squad, announced in the hours after the Springboks’ emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians and SA ‘A’s 40-0 blanking of Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday, includes 28 forwards and 18 backs as the four-time world champions prepare for a demanding July schedule that begins against England at Ellis Park on 4 July.

Key squad news:

• Six uncapped players included: Paul de Villiers (flanker), Riley Norton (lock/loose forward), Ruben van Heerden (lock), Carlu Sadie (prop), Vusi Moyo (fly-half) and Jaco Williams (wing)
• Twelve Vodacom Bulls players return following the URC final, including Cameron Hanekom, Handré Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie
• Embrose Papier recalled after an eight-year absence from the Springbok squad, having last earned a cap in 2018
• Herschel Jantjies returns for the first time since August 2023, completing a four-strong scrum-half group
• Thomas du Toit returns after completing his season with Bath in England
• Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu absent through an ankle injury; Faf de Klerk not retained despite featuring against the Barbarians
• Nations Championship fixtures: England (Ellis Park, 4 July), Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, 11 July), Wales (Kings Park, 18 July), followed by a one-off Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires (8 August)

The most eye-catching element of the selection is the elevation of the six uncapped players who impressed during the two-week training camp and Saturday’s double-header in Gqeberha. Norton, the 20-year-old Junior Springbok captain who started in the second row against the Barbarians and was singled out for praise after the commanding victory, is listed among the utility forwards — a designation that reflects Erasmus’s view of the young lock’s versatility across the tight five and back row. Sadie, the Bordeaux-Bègles tighthead who won the Champions Cup this season, also made his case in the Barbarians fixture and now finds himself in a deep prop contingent of eight that includes the returning Thomas du Toit.

Among the backs, Sharks fly-half Vusi Moyo — the 19-year-old SA U20 playmaker who came off the bench against the Barbarians — joins an intriguing three-man fly-half group alongside the established duo of Handré Pollard and Manie Libbok. Jaco Williams, the exciting Sharks wing who featured for SA ‘A’ against Zimbabwe, completes the uncapped contingent.

Erasmus was effusive about the impact the newcomers had made during their time in camp.

“We are pleased with the quality of the group we have selected, and it’s also exciting to see the next generation of players coming through in Riley, Vusi, Paul, Carlü, Ruben and Jaco,” said Erasmus. “They all proved against the Barbarians and SA ‘A’ teams that they have what it takes to play at the highest level, and as coaches, we are fortunate that we’ve had the opportunity to work with them in the last two weeks.

“They are all familiar with the way the Springbok environment operates, the standards expected at this level, and they have shown that they are comfortable in the set-up, so we are excited for them to make this step-up.”

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The return of the twelve Vodacom Bulls players adds considerable firepower to the squad. The group, who were unavailable for the Gqeberha double-header due to their participation in the URC final defeat to Leinster in Dublin, includes a number of frontline Springbok performers. Cameron Hanekom, the dynamic number eight who has emerged as one of the standout players in South African rugby this season, returns alongside fellow loose forward options Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cobus Wiese. In the tight five, Ruan Nortje bolsters the lock stocks alongside Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager and the uncapped Van Heerden, while props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp rejoin the front-row group.

Among the backs, the return of Pollard gives Erasmus his most experienced fly-half option for the England opener, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie provide additional firepower in the outside backs. Johan Grobbelaar’s inclusion at hooker completes a strong trio alongside Malcolm Marx and Andre-Hugo Venter.

Perhaps the most compelling storyline within the squad, however, concerns the scrum-half position. Embrose Papier’s recall after an eight-year absence from the Springbok setup is a remarkable tale of perseverance and rediscovery. The 27-year-old Bulls number nine, who was named the SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season for his outstanding form this campaign, last pulled on the green and gold in 2018 when he earned the last of his seven Test caps. His return speaks to the depth of talent now competing for places in the Springbok squad and the meritocratic approach Erasmus has cultivated.

Joining Papier in the scrum-half group is Herschel Jantjies, the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner who has rebuilt his career at Bayonne after falling out of the international picture following his last appearance against Argentina in August 2023. Together with incumbents Cobus Reinach — who has recovered from a knee injury — and Grant Williams, the quartet gives Erasmus four distinct options at nine.

“Embrose and Herschel have also made strong statements with their performances this season, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back in the squad,” said Erasmus.

The notable absentee from the squad is Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the gifted young utility back who remains sidelined with the ankle injury that ruled him out of the Barbarians fixture. Faf de Klerk, who featured from the bench against the Barbarians, has not been retained, while JJ Kotze and Lukhanyo Am — both of whom were involved in the Gqeberha double-header — also miss out.

The inclusion of Quan Horn among the outside and utility backs is noteworthy following his eye-catching start at fly-half against the Barbarians. Horn’s ability to cover fullback, wing and now fly-half makes him a valuable squad member, particularly when Erasmus considers the bench composition that has become a hallmark of Springbok matchday planning. Damian Willemse’s return to the squad after being rested for the Barbarians fixture provides another multi-positional option.

Erasmus expressed confidence that the returning Bulls contingent would integrate smoothly despite missing the initial training block.

“All of the players with the exception of Embrose have been in our system in the last few seasons, so they know our structures well, and will have next week to get back into the swing of things, before we begin our proper Test-week preparations,” he said.

The squad will travel to Johannesburg on Sunday to resume their training camp ahead of what promises to be a landmark occasion — the opening round of the Nations Championship, rugby’s new flagship competition. The Springboks’ July programme is a demanding one: after hosting England at Ellis Park, they face Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July and Wales at Kings Park on 18 July, before travelling to Buenos Aires for a one-off Test against Los Pumas on 8 August.

With the squad now confirmed, the focus shifts to how Erasmus will pare down his 46-man group into matchday 23s across the coming weeks. The depth at his disposal is formidable — eight props, seven loose forwards, six utility forwards, four scrum-halves and three fly-halves — and the competition for places will be fierce. For the six uncapped players, the hard work of earning selection continues; for the returning veterans, the task is to prove that time away from the setup has not dulled their edge.

Springbok squad for the Nations Championship:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Carlu Sadie (Bordeaux-Bègles) uncapped, Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers) uncapped.

Loose forwards: Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers) uncapped, Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Utility forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers) uncapped, Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls).

Scrum-halves: Embrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne), Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Fly-halves: Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks) uncapped, Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside and utility backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity ADT Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) uncapped, Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

Nations Championship fixtures:
4 July — South Africa v England, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
11 July — South Africa v Scotland, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
18 July — South Africa v Wales, Kings Park, Durban
8 August — Argentina v South Africa, Buenos Aires

Joe Schmidt has named a 37-player Wallabies squad for the July Nations Championship Tests, recalling veteran prop James Slipper from international retirement and handing call-ups to three uncapped players ahead of a sold-out opening fixture against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 4 July.

Key team news:

• Three uncapped players named: fly-half Declan Meredith, lock Lachlan Shaw (both ACT Brumbies) and lock Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs)
• James Slipper recalled from Test retirement as the all-time Wallabies cap record holder (151 caps)
• Tate McDermott and Tom Wright return from long-term injuries sustained during last year’s Rugby Championship
• Jock Campbell recalled to the squad for the first time since 2022
• Overseas-based quartet of Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell all selected
• Zac Lomax, Tom Lynagh, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon among those unavailable

ACT Brumbies fly-half Declan Meredith, 29, and Brumbies lock Lachlan Shaw, 23, have both earned maiden selections after breakout Super Rugby Pacific seasons in Canberra. NSW Waratahs second-rower Miles Amatosero, 24, completes the trio of uncapped players in a squad that will also face France in Brisbane on 11 July and Italy in Perth on 18 July.

Your first Wallabies squad of 2026 🦘 pic.twitter.com/SWolpL7uuP

— Wallabies (@wallabies) June 19, 2026

Slipper, the most-capped Wallaby in history with 151 Test appearances, has been lured back following a short-lived retirement from international rugby. His inclusion adds significant scrummaging depth and experience to a front row that also features Racing 92 tighthead Taniela Tupou, who is set to finish his club commitments in France before joining the group.

The returns extend beyond Slipper. Scrum-half Tate McDermott and fullback Tom Wright are both back in the fold having suffered long-term injuries during last year’s Rugby Championship campaign. Charlie Cale, the Brumbies back-rower who won his first two caps before injury intervened, is also included. Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell rounds out the recalled contingent, earning his first selection since 2022 following an impressive domestic season.

Schmidt acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing his squad but expressed confidence in the group assembled. “There have been ongoing discussions amongst the coaches for a number of months and, as always, there are some very good players who have not been selected for this first international window,” the Wallabies coach said.

“We’ve settled on a group that we think will work hard and can perform well against three top-tier European teams with the added excitement of competing in the new Nations Championship for the first time.”

Amatosero’s selection represents a notable turnaround. The Waratahs lock was banned by the club earlier in the season after a preseason training altercation with teammate Angus Scott-Young that left the latter with a fractured eye socket. He was forced to train alone for a period, starting sessions at 5.30am before heading to the gym at Bondi Junction.

“I regret that it happened and it shouldn’t have happened,” Amatosero said at the time. “My biggest thing is the boys and team, and being away from them, seeing how it affected the team really hurt.”

Having served his punishment and returned to the Waratahs set-up, Amatosero appeared in all 14 Super Rugby Pacific matches in 2026, starting 12 of them. The former Clermont Auvergne lock, who came through the South Coogee junior pathways, has been rewarded for his consistency with a first international call-up.

Meredith and Shaw have both been integral to the Brumbies’ run to the Super Rugby Pacific finals. The fly-half started almost every game during the regular season, while Shaw, who stands 200cm tall and represented the Junior Wallabies in 2023, has established himself as one of the competition’s most prominent lineout operators. The pair’s club form included wins over the Crusaders, Blues and Chiefs.

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham welcomed the recognition of his players’ form. “It’s a great reflection of the work that’s been done across the whole program that we’ve had so many Brumbies selected in the Wallabies squad,” Larkham said. “The players have earned those opportunities through their performances and consistency throughout the season.

“Just as pleasing is the depth we’ve built within the group. There are a number of other Brumbies who are capable of stepping up and performing at that level if called upon. That’s what you want as a club – genuine competition for spots and a program that continues to produce players ready for international rugby.”

Eleven Brumbies feature in the squad in total, the largest contingent from any Super Rugby Pacific franchise. The Western Force contribute six players in Jeremy Williams, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carlo Tizzano, Dylan Pietsch, Nick Champion De Crespigny and Ben Donaldson.

Four overseas-based players have been selected. Len Ikitau, who has been in outstanding form for Exeter Chiefs, is set to feature in this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership Final before linking up with the Wallabies camp and will return to the Brumbies ahead of the 2027 season. Tom Hooper, also with Exeter, rounds out the UK-based pair. Tupou will join from Racing 92, while loosehead prop Angus Bell returns to the Waratahs following a season on sabbatical with Ulster in Ireland.

Among the notable omissions, code-hopper Zac Lomax was not considered for selection due to a calf injury. Tom Lynagh, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon are also unavailable. Queensland Reds duo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Matt Faessler miss out, as do Andrew Kellaway, Nick Frost and Ben Edmed.

The 37-player group will assemble in Sydney on Wednesday ahead of the sold-out Ireland Test, the first match of Australia’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign.

Wallabies squad for the July Nations Championship Tests

Forwards (20):
Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 88 caps), Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs, uncapped), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 50 caps), Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds, 2 caps), Nick Champion De Crespigny (Western Force, 4 caps), Tom Hooper (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 39 caps), Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 11 caps), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds, 19 caps), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 25 caps), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies, 20 caps), Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 3 caps), Lachlan Shaw (ACT Brumbies, uncapped), James Slipper (ACT Brumbies, 151 caps), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 14 caps), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 68 caps), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies, 62 caps), Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 25 caps), Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds, 36 caps)

Backs (17):
Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds, 4 caps), Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds, 20 caps), Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 19 caps), Josh Flook (Queensland Reds, 6 caps), Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds, 9 caps), Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies, 50 caps), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 20 caps), Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 5 caps), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 50 caps), Declan Meredith (ACT Brumbies, uncapped), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 35 caps), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force, 9 caps), Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs, 11 caps), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 18 caps), Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds, 1 cap), Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies, 6 caps), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 43 caps)

July Nations Championship fixtures:
Wallabies v Ireland – Saturday 4 July, 8:00pm AEST, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v France – Saturday 11 July, 5:30pm AEST, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v Italy – Saturday 18 July, 6:00pm AWST, HBF Park, Perth

Andy Farrell has named a 36-man Ireland squad for the inaugural Nations Championship, but the head coach must plan without injured fly-half Jack Crowley and loosehead prop Andrew Porter for the three-Test southern hemisphere series against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July.

Key team news:

• Jack Crowley ruled out of the Nations Championship with a blood vessel injury in his leg
• Andrew Porter misses out again after suffering a calf injury in Leinster’s URC semi-final
• Uncapped Connacht trio Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen earn squad call-ups
• James Lowe excluded from the squad following his decision to leave Irish rugby for Japan
• Hugo Keenan makes a welcome return after missing the Six Nations through injury
• Ten players in total unavailable due to injury, including Mack Hansen, Ryan Baird and Calvin Nash

Crowley’s absence is a significant blow after the Munster man re-established himself as Farrell’s first-choice fly-half during the Six Nations, starting the victories over England, Wales and Scotland. The 26-year-old has not played since mid-April due to what Munster head coach Clayton McMillan recently described as a blood vessel issue in the back of his leg, an injury that proved difficult to diagnose. With Crowley sidelined, Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley will compete for the number 10 jersey, with Prendergast best placed to start having been preferred for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls at Croke Park.

Our squad for the summer in Australia and NZ. 👊 pic.twitter.com/aXi5QR819a

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 17, 2026

Porter, meanwhile, continues to be plagued by calf problems. The Leinster loosehead missed the entire Six Nations with a calf injury and has now been ruled out again after suffering a similar setback during Leinster’s URC semi-final victory over the Stormers. His absence leaves Ireland light on Test experience at loosehead, with Jeremy Loughman and Tom O’Toole the experienced options alongside uncapped 20-year-old Billy Bohan.

The absence of James Lowe is equally notable, albeit for entirely different reasons. The New Zealand-born winger, who has been Ireland’s first-choice left wing for six seasons, was omitted from the squad after rejecting a reduced, performance-related contract extension from Leinster to accept an offer in Japan. His exclusion appears to signal the end of his Ireland career and raises questions about whether he might be called up from Japan for next year’s World Cup. Jimmy O’Brien is now Ireland’s only left-footed winger, with Jacob Stockdale, Tommy O’Brien and Rob Baloucoune completing the back-three options alongside the returning Hugo Keenan and the versatile Jamie Osborne.

The inclusion of three uncapped Connacht forwards provides one of the more positive storylines from the announcement. Bohan, who was called into the Six Nations squad as cover earlier this season, has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign under Stuart Lancaster, starting six of Connacht’s last seven matches and earning promotion from the academy to a senior contract for next season. Tighthead prop Sam Illo, 25, has been equally impressive, effectively displacing Lions tourist Finlay Bealham as Connacht’s first-choice tighthead after Lancaster’s arrival transformed his career. Illo had started just two of his previous 31 appearances over four seasons before this campaign, but has since made 18 appearances and earned a starting spot that was previously beyond reach.

The most eye-catching of the three new faces is number eight Sean Jansen, a 27-year-old New Zealand-born forward who qualifies for Ireland through grandparents from Monasterevin and Belfast. Jansen was named Connacht’s player of the year after scoring 12 tries in 21 appearances and will have the intriguing opportunity to face the country of his birth when Ireland travel to Eden Park on 18 July. His inclusion adds genuine competition to a back-row group that already features captain Caelan Doris, six-cap British and Irish Lion Jack Conan, and Josh van der Flier.

Farrell, who signed a contract extension until 2031 earlier this month, said: “I’m pleased to announce the Ireland squad for the opening three rounds of the Nations Championship. This competition will bring the best of the northern hemisphere up against their southern counterparts and the road for that Sunday evening slot for Finals Weekend in London starts now.”

On the uncapped trio, Farrell added: “Congratulations to Billy, Sam and Sean on their selections and each of them has earned the right to be selected after their performances this season.”

Keenan’s return to the squad after missing the Six Nations through injury is a timely boost, restoring one of Ireland’s most consistent performers to the full-back position. Elsewhere in the backs, the centre group of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey remains settled, while Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey and Nathan Doak provide the scrum-half options.

Bealham’s omission is worth noting. The experienced Connacht tighthead and Lions tourist has been overlooked in favour of his provincial colleague Illo, with Tadhg Furlong and Thomas Clarkson the other tighthead options. While the 33-year-old may feel he can force his way back, Farrell appears to have one eye on the 2027 World Cup in Australia with several of his selection decisions.

The injury list extends well beyond Crowley and Porter. Ryan Baird, Shayne Bolton, Jack Boyle, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell, Mack Hansen, Paddy McCarthy and Calvin Nash are all unavailable, while Jude Postlethwaite is also absent. The extent of the casualties, particularly in the front row and back three, has forced Farrell’s hand in some areas but has also created opportunity for those on the fringes.

With 18 Leinster players included in the squad, Farrell will be anxiously watching Friday night’s URC final against the Bulls at Croke Park, hoping all his players come through unscathed before the squad departs for Sydney on Monday. The non-Leinster contingent from Ulster, Munster and Connacht have already completed a three-day training block at the IRFU High Performance Centre this week.

Farrell said: “We have three tough Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand and it’s important that we hit the ground running in this new tournament.”

He added: “The experience of playing Down Under will be priceless for us and even though we’ll be playing in front of largely partisan home crowds, we are also excited about playing in front of a huge Irish support. Their dedication to the team never ceases to amaze us and with a huge diaspora Down Under I’m sure we can count on a large Irish following in Sydney, Newcastle and then on to Auckland.”

Ireland’s campaign in the first-ever Nations Championship opens against Australia at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, 4 July, before fixtures against Japan at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on 11 July and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on 18 July.

Ireland Squad (Club/Province/Caps)

Forwards (20): Tadhg Beirne (Munster, 70 caps), Billy Bohan (Connacht, uncapped), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster, 13 caps), Jack Conan (Leinster, 59 caps), Caelan Doris (Leinster, 60 caps) – captain, Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 86 caps), Sam Illo (Connacht, uncapped), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster, 4 caps), Sean Jansen (Connacht, uncapped), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster, 48 caps), Jeremy Loughman (Munster, 8 caps), Joe McCarthy (Leinster, 24 caps), Darragh Murray (Connacht, 3 caps), Tom O’Toole (Ulster, 21 caps), Cian Prendergast (Connacht, 11 caps), James Ryan (Leinster, 80 caps), Dan Sheehan (Leinster, 39 caps), Tom Stewart (Ulster, 5 caps), Nick Timoney (Ulster, 11 caps), Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 79 caps).

Backs (16): Bundee Aki (Connacht, 69 caps), Rob Baloucoune (Ulster, 8 caps), Harry Byrne (Leinster, 4 caps), Craig Casey (Munster, 28 caps), Nathan Doak (Ulster, 1 cap), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster, 12 caps), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster, 51 caps), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, 84 caps), Hugo Keenan (Leinster, 46 caps), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster, 28 caps), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster, 11 caps), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster, 9 caps), Jamie Osborne (Leinster, 15 caps), Sam Prendergast (Leinster, 15 caps), Garry Ringrose (Leinster, 74 caps), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster, 42 caps).

Match details:

Australia v Ireland, Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Saturday, 4 July, 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.

Japan v Ireland, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. Saturday, 11 July, 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.

New Zealand v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland. Saturday, 18 July, 7.10pm local time/8.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.