Ireland to return to play at Soldier Field in Chicago

Ireland return to the scene of one of the countries greatest triumphs – Soldier Field in Chicago.

It was where they beat New Zealand for the first time in the countries history, stunning the All Blacks 40-29 in November 2016.

Ireland scored five tries as they ended a 111-year wait to earn victory over the Kiwis.

In the aftermath of that win Joe Schmidt said “It has been a long time and it’s history made. We’re absolutely ecstatic. It was a marvellous performance. The atmosphere here, felt like a home game to us. I suppose now, we are going to have to dye the river green for this one!”

Three years on they will face Italy at the same venue.

In a statement the IRFU’s Director of Commercial & Marketing, Padraig Power, said “Irish Rugby is delighted to be returning to Chicago.  In 2016 the Ireland team experienced tremendous support and made history in a week that also witnessed the Cubs celebrating their own piece of history on the streets of Chicago.  We are looking forward to an exciting match against Italy who are a well-coached and dangerous team.”

The match against their Natwest Six Nations rivals will form part of the a triple header of international rugby at the NFL stadium on Saturday 3rd November 2018.

The USA Men’s team will face the Maori All Blacks, while the Women’s Eagles taking on the Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions the Black Ferns.

Tickets for the triple header will go on sale on May 21st.

“Chicago is a world-class sports city, and rugby has become a staple on our major events calendar,” said Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission, Kara Bachman.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Ireland, New Zealand Maori and USA Rugby, and proud to host Italy and the first women’s international test match at Soldier Field”.

The rest of Ireland’s November schedule is yet to be confirmed but it’s expected they will play New Zealand and Argentina, along with a Tier two nation in Dublin.