International
Former England coach Brian Smith dies aged 59
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New Zealand 
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Ireland Rugby
Ireland compete in the Nations Championship and the Six Nations, which they’ve won outright 16 times. They've appeared at every edition of the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland Rugby News
Nations Championship
Analysis
Boks edged out by France in Nations Championship 'power play' rankings
9
ITV remains the home of the Men's Rugby World Cup in the UK
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Wallabies are the hottest ticket in town as Nations Championship pulls in the fans
2
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Latest
Fissler Confidential: James O'Connor deal close; French points-machine in big demand
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21 days ago
Nations Championship
Opinion
Nine players whose stock rose massively this July in Nations Championship
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22 days ago
World Ranking
Ireland Rugby are currently 3rd in the World Rugby Rankings. The last time they were World #1 was November 2024.
Ranking Over Time
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2015
2026
Ireland Rugby Matches
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Fri 6 Nov, 2026
Sat 14 Nov, 2026
Ireland Rugby Rugby Team Players
Ireland Rugby Forwards
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Ireland Rugby Backs
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Ireland Rugby Tournaments
Ireland Rugby Team
The Ireland rugby team is considered to be one of the world's best rugby union sides. Although they're yet to capture the Rugby World Cup, the team boasts an impressive honours list that includes numerous titles on the international stage, as well as continued high placings in the World Rugby Rankings.
As you would expect from one of the giants of the sport, some of the world's best players have represented the Ireland national rugby team, including rugby icons like Johnny Sexton and Brian O'Driscoll.
Ireland at the Six Nations Championship
The Ireland national rugby team was an inaugural member of the Home Nations Championship in 1883. They’ve since competed in every iteration of the tournament, including the Five Nations Championship and the Six Nations Championship.
Over the years, Ireland have been a formidable force in the competition. In total, they’ve won 16 outright titles, including victories in the Home Nations, Five Nations and Six Nations Championship eras. Added to this, the Ireland rugby team has also claimed another eight shared titles.
In recent years, the Ireland rugby team has been particularly successful in the Six Nations. They won the competition in both 2023 and 2024. Plus, they have won three Grand Slam titles this millennium.
Ireland at the Rugby World Cup
The Ireland national rugby team has competed in every edition of the Rugby World Cup. Although they are a consistent side - they have reached the quarter finals in eight out of 10 tournaments - the Ireland rugby team has never progressed to the semi-finals.
Ireland were eliminated in the quarter finals in 1987, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. The team almost progressed to the semi finals in 1991, when they battled Australia in a hard-fought match. With seven minutes remaining, the Irish squad took the lead but Australia turned the tables and secured a 19-18 win.
Meanwhile, Ireland's worst Rugby World Cup result came in 2007. The Irish squad was drawn in Pool D (the 'Group of Death') alongside Argentina and France. To the disappointment of Irish fans, the team crashed out of the tournament after losing against both sides.
FAQs
How many Rugby World Cups have Ireland won?
Sadly, Ireland have never won the Rugby World Cup. They’ve reached the quarter-final stage of the competition eight times but have never progressed further.
Who is Ireland’s current head coach?
Ireland’s current head coach is Andy Farrell. He’s held the position since 2019.
Who captains Ireland in rugby union?
Ireland’s current captain is Caelan Doris.
When was Ireland’s national rugby team founded?
The Ireland rugby team was founded in 1975. The team played in their first international in the same year, a 7-0 defeat against England.
What is Ireland’s longest winning streak?
Ireland’s longest winning streak came between July 2022 and October 2023. During this period, Andy Farrell’s team won 17 test matches in a row. The streak was ended by New Zealand at the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup.
What is Ireland’s biggest defeat in rugby union?
Ireland’s biggest defeat in rugby union came in June 2012, when they were defeated 60-0 by New Zealand in Hamilton.
Who has scored the most points for Ireland?
Ireland’s top point-scorer is Johnny Sexton. He scored 1,108 points for Ireland between 2009 and 2023.
Which player has the most caps for Ireland?
Cian Healy has the most caps for Ireland. He was capped 137 times by his country between 2009 and 2025.
What is Ireland’s record against England?
To date, Ireland hold a losing record against England.
The teams have faced each other 144 times since 1875, with England winning 81 of these matches and Ireland winning 55. A further eight matches have ended in a draw.
That said, Ireland have held the upper hand in recent years. Since 2020, the sides have faced each other eight times, with Ireland winning six clashes to England’s two.
Have Ireland ever completed a Six Nations Grand Slam?
Since the current format of the Six Nations was introduced in 2000, Ireland have claimed three Grand Slams (2009, 2018 and 2023). They also won the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1948.
Who is Ireland’s all-time leading try scorer?
Ireland’s all-time leading try-scorer is Brian O’Driscoll. This legend of Irish rugby scored 46 tries for his country between 1999 and 2014.
What is Ireland’s best Rugby World Cup result?
Ireland have reached the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup on eight occasions. However, they’ve never progressed beyond this stage of the competition.
Where do Ireland play their home rugby matches?
Ireland traditionally play their home matches at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
What colours do Ireland play in?
Ireland’s traditional strip includes a green jersey, white shorts and green socks. Their away kit is usually white with navy blue shorts and socks.
Who are the most famous players to represent Ireland in rugby?
A number of famous names have represented Ireland over the years, including all-time legends such as Keith Wood, Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton.
