Ireland national rugby union team

Not to be confused with Ireland national rugby league team.

Ireland

Union	Irish Rugby Football Union
Emblem(s)	The Shamrock
Ground(s)	Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Coach(es)	Les Kiss (Interim)
Captain(s)	Rory Best
Most caps	Ronan O'Gara (128)
Top scorer	Ronan O'Gara (1,083)
Most tries	Brian O'Driscoll (46)
Team kit Change kit
First international
England 7 – 42 Ireland (15 February 1875)
Largest win
United States 3 – 83 Ireland (10 June 2000)
Largest defeat
New Zealand 60 – 0 Ireland (23 June 2012)
World Cup
Appearances	7/7 (First in 1987)
Best result	Quarter Finals, 1987, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011.

The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland (both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship (which they have won eleven times outright and shared eight times) and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions (1999 and 2007). Ireland is also one of the four unions that make up the British and Irish Lions – players eligible to play for Ireland are also eligible for the Lions. Eight former Ireland players have earned induction into the International Rugby Hall of Fame, with five of them also having earned induction into the IRB Hall of Fame.

Outside centre and former captain Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's current all-time leader in tries, is considered one of the best rugby players in the world and led Ireland to only their second Grand Slam in March 2009. He was also captain of the Lions on their 2005 tour of New Zealand, although his on-field captaincy was cut short by a controversial injury in the Lions' first Test. O'Driscoll was succeeded as Lions captain for their 2009 tour of South Africa by his current teammate, Lock Paul O'Connell. Keith Wood, O'Driscoll's predecessor as Ireland captain before retiring in 2003, was the inaugural IRB International Player of the Year in 2001.

Ireland's highest ever position in the IRB World Rankings is third, which they reached in 2003 and 2006.

History

Early Years

Caid is an ancient sport played in Ireland with strong similarities to rugby; it was played within a defined space and between a predetermined number of players. The Cork-born Reece Lockhart founded a club at Joe's chipper in 1854, in Cork. By 1867, Trinity second XV were playing matches against St. Columba’s College and Hume High Street, two Leinster schools and, importantly for the game in the north of the country, Royal School Dungannon. Following the adoption of a set of official rules in 1868, rugby football began to spread quickly throughout Ireland.

First Ireland rugby team: played England on 19 February 1875 and lost by 2 goals and a try to nil

In 1874, the Irish Football Union (reconstituted as the Irish Rugby Football Union after unification with the North of Ireland Union) was formed. Ireland lost their first test match against England 7–0 at the Oval on 15 February 1875. Both teams fielded 20 players in this match, as was customary in the early years of rugby union; it was not until 1877 that the number of players was reduced from 20 to 15. Ireland's first home game was also against England in the same year held at the Leinster Cricket Club in Rathmines as Lansdowne Road was deemed unsuitable. The first match at Lansdowne Road was held on 11 March 1878, with England beating Ireland by 2 goals and 1 try to nil.

It was not until 1881 that Ireland first won a test, beating Scotland at Ormeau in Belfast. Ireland turned up two men short for their game in Cardiff in 1884 and had to borrow two Welsh players. The first victory Ireland had at Lansdowne Road took place on 5 February 1887. It was also their first win over England, by two goals to nil. On the third of March 1888, Ireland recorded their first win over Wales with a goal, a try and a drop goal to nil.

In 1894, Ireland followed the Welsh model of using seven backs instead of six for the first time. After victory over England at Blackheath, Ireland won back-to-back matches for the first time when recording their first win over Scotland on 24 February 1894. Ireland went on to beat Wales in Belfast and win the Triple Crown for the first time.

In the 1890s, Rugby was primarily a game for the Protestant middle class, the only Catholic in Edmund Forrest’s 1894 team was Tom Crean. Of the eighteen players used in the three games, thirteen were from three Dublin clubs – Wanderers, Dublin University and Bective Rangers – and the remaining five were from Ulster. They went on to win the Home international championship twice more before the old century was out (1896 and 1899), so that by 1900 all four of the Home Unions had tasted success at a game that was growing in popularity with players and spectators.

Twentieth Century

1920 illustration of the Ireland versus Wales rugby match

Such was the level of interest in the visit of the first All Blacks team to Dublin in November 1905 that the IRFU made the match the first all-ticket rugby international in history. Ireland played only seven forwards, copying the then New Zealand method of playing a "rover". The game ended New Zealand 15 Ireland 0.

On 20 March 1909, Ireland played France for the first time, beating them 19–8. This was Ireland's biggest victory in international rugby at that time, their highest points tally and a record five tries. 30 November 1912 was the first time the Springboks met Ireland at Lansdowne Road, the 1906 tour game having been played at Ravenhill. Ireland with seven new caps were overwhelmed by a record margin of 38–0, still a record loss to South Africa who scored 10 tries. In 1926, Ireland went into their final Five Nations match unbeaten and with the Grand Slam at stake lost to Wales in Swansea. Ireland again came close to a grand slam in 1927 when their sole loss was an 8–6 defeat by England.

Post-War

Ireland's finest hour arguably came in 1948 when, inspired by tactician and fly-half Jack Kyle, they beat France in Paris, England at Twickenham and a 6–0 win over Scotland at Lansdowne Road. They clinched their first Grand Slam in the Five Nations with a win against Wales at Ravenhill, Belfast. Ireland were champions and Triple Crown winners again in 1949.

The Irish used only 19 players in clinching the 1949 Championship and Triple Crown, only the fourth time that the Triple Crown had been retained.

In 1951, Ireland were once more crowned outright Five Nations champions and were unbeaten going into their final game. They failed to win the Grand Slam or Triple Crown following a 3–3 draw with Wales in Cardiff.

The year of 1952 saw only Ireland's second overseas tour, the first for over half a century – as they headed to Argentina for a nine-match trip which included two Test matches. Ireland won six, drew two and lost one of the matches, their Test record being won one, drawn one.

On 27 February 1954, Ireland were due to play Scotland at Ravenhill in Belfast. The new Irish captain, Jim McCarthy, told IRFU president Sarsfield Hogan that the eleven Republic-based players would not stand for "God Save the Queen" alongside the Scottish team. It was agreed that an abbreviated anthem, known in Ulster as "the Salute", would be played that afternoon and that the Irish team would never play again at Ravenhill. Ireland went on to beat Scotland 6–0 but did not play in Northern Ireland again until 2007.

On 18 January 1958 Ireland beat Australia 9–6 in Dublin, this was the first time a major touring team had been defeated.

Sixties and Seventies

Ireland managed just three victories in the Five Nations Championship; against England in 1961, Wales in 1963 and England again in 1964. There were also draws against England and Wales at Lansdowne Road to the end of 1964.

1965 saw an improvement as Ireland drew with France before beating England and Scotland, only for their Triple Crown hopes disappear against Wales in Cardiff. On 10 April 1965 Ireland recorded their first ever win over South Africa. The match, held at Lansdowne Road, was heading for a draw with the score at six points each, when Tom Kiernan won the match for Ireland with a late penalty. Ireland beat Australia again in Dublin in 1967 and became the first of the home nations to win in the Southern Hemisphere when they beat Australia in Sydney in May 1967.

On 26 October 1968, Ireland made it four successive wins over the Wallabies with a 16–3 win at Lansdowne Road.

In 1969, Ireland claimed a 17–9 victory over France at Lansdowne Road in the Five Nations, a first victory over Les Bleus in 11 years. They were again unbeaten going into their final game in Cardiff but Wales denied them a Grand Slam for the third time. In the autumn of 1969, the Irish Rugby Football Union decided to appoint a coach for the national team for the first time, the role went to Ronnie Dawson.

The 1972 Five Nations Championship was not completed when Scotland and then Wales refused to play in Ireland following threatening letters to players, purportedly from the IRA. The championship remained unresolved with Wales and Ireland unbeaten. In 1973, despite similar threats, England fulfilled their fixture and were given a standing ovation that lasted for five minutes. Ireland won 18–9 and at the after-match dinner the England captain, John Pullin famously remarked "We might not be very good but at least we turn up". Ireland came close to a first win over the All Blacks on 20 January 1973 but with the score at 10–10 an Irish conversion attempt was pushed wide by a gust of wind. In the final match of the 1974 season, Ireland won their first Five Nations Championship since 1951.

Roly Meates was national coach from 1975 to 1977 and Noel Murphy from 1977 to 1980. Willie John McBride was coach until 1984.

Eighties and Nineties

In 1982 Ireland came close to winning a Grand Slam but were beaten by France in Paris. They beat Scotland, Wales and England to win the championship and their first Triple Crown in 33 years.

Three years after their last Triple Crown win, Ireland, coached by Mick Doyle, came out in 1985 and won the Championship and the Triple Crown again. They beat Scotland and Wales. The French again prevented Ireland from claiming a Grand Slam after a 15–15 draw in Dublin. Ireland played England at Lansdowne Road and won the championship with a last minute drop goal from Michael Kiernan. The match ended 13–10 to Ireland. It was Ireland's last silverware until 2004.

Ireland were whitewashed in the 1986 Five Nations Championship but on 1 November 1986, Ireland made history when they scored 10 tries against Romania in a 60–0 win. It was the biggest win in international rugby at the time, equalling the French record set in 1967.

At the inaugural World Cup in 1987, two straightforward victories over Tonga and Canada were enough to see Ireland through to the quarter-finals, when they travelled to Sydney to face the joint hosts Australia, only to be beaten 33–15.

In the Five Nations, England and France were dominant throughout the decade, resulting in the others scrapping around for the odd Championship title. Ireland didn't manage to win the trophy once in the whole decade and worse never finished outside the bottom two.

The second Rugby World Cup took place in Britain, Ireland and France in 1991. Ireland found themselves in the same pool as Scotland. After two easy wins over Japan and Zimbabwe, Scotland sneaked a 24–15 win at Murrayfield. Ireland played the Wallabies at Lansdowne Road in the quarter final and appeared to be on the verge of a shock victory over Australia, when Michael Lynagh scored the winning try to clinch a 19–18 win for Australia.

At the 1994 Five Nations Championship, Ireland beat Will Carling's all-conquering England at Twickenham.

Professional era begins: 1995

Ireland playing at Croke Park.

At the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, Ireland were in a group containing the All Blacks and Wales. In a close game in Johannesburg, Ireland sneaked through 24–23 against Wales to make their third consecutive quarter-final appearance. Unfortunately, France proved too strong, with Ireland going down 36–12.

The start of the professional era was disappointing for Ireland who finished bottom in the Five Nations Championship three years in succession (1996, 1997 and 1998). Englishman Brian Ashton was head coach between 1997 and 1998, but after a series of disappointing results resigned barely 12 months into the six-year contract he had been awarded by the IRFU. Warren Gatland took over as coach in 1998, but was unable to produce immediate success and 1999 was the first time Ireland failed to reach the last eight at a Rugby World Cup. The 1999 World Cup was staged in Wales though Ireland played all their pool games in Dublin. A defeat to the Wallabies in pool play meant Ireland having to go down the play-off route. Playing away from Lansdowne Road for the first time in the competition, Ireland were beaten 28–24 by Argentina in Lens.

From this nadir, however, Irish rugby improved rapidly. With the advent of professionalism, the Irish Rugby Football Union decided to convert the four representative provincial sides into de facto club sides, with the financial capacity to retain top talent in Ireland, yet retaining strong links with amateur clubs and schools to enable young talent to be brought up through the ranks. The close geographical proximity of most of the Irish international squad helped cement relationships between the players. The later formation in 2001 of the Celtic League (now called the Pro12) cemented this strategy by ensuring that provincial sides had a regular schedule of competitive rugby.

2000-2009

The advent of the new Six Nations format coincided with this Irish resurgence, and they became the strongest of the Celtic nations. In 2001 the rugby union season was disrupted due to the foot and mouth crisis in Britain. Ireland were good enough to beat France but were unable to play Scotland until the Autumn and were caught cold losing 32–10. They were still good enough to beat England, spoiling their hopes of a Grand Slam, and finishing second on points difference. Eddie O'Sullivan took over as coach from Warren Gatland in November 2001 following the New Zealander's sacking.

The 2003 Six Nations Championship came down to the wire with Ireland and England playing a Grand Slam decider at Lansdowne Road. England, however, won 42–6. That defeat ended an unbeaten run that stretched back 10 Tests to their Rugby World Cup qualifiers warm up against Romania in September 2002 and included defeats of Pool A rivals Australia and Argentina at Lansdowne Road. In 2004 they lost their opening game against France but became the first team to beat England following their World Cup win. They finished second in the table behind France and won the Triple Crown.

In 2005 Ireland were considered slight favourites entering the Six Nations Championships, and won their first three matches, including a 19–13 defeat of England in Dublin. However, Ireland's dreams of their first Grand Slam since 1948 were ended with a 26–19 home loss to France. In the final round, Wales defeated Ireland 32–20 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to win the Grand Slam. Ireland finished in 3rd place.

In 2006, Ireland showed the capacity to play top class rugby, but only inconsistently – a rout of Wales was balanced by uncertain victories against England, Scotland and Italy and a comprehensive defeat by winners France. Ireland finished second and won the Triple Crown for the second time in three years, incidentally the first ever time a trophy had been awarded for the feat. They then embarked on their annual tour to the southern hemisphere. There they ran New Zealand close twice before a tired Ireland were thumped by the Wallabies in Perth. In the last Autumn Internationals at Lansdowne Road, Ireland beast he South African experimental side 32–15. Next were Australia, with Ireland posting a 21–6 victory to propel Ireland to a best ever height of 3rd in the IRB World Rankings. In the final international match at Lansdowne, Ireland thumped the Pacific Islanders 61–17.

Paul O'Connell winning the line-out against Argentina

Ireland scrum against Scotland during the 2007 Six Nations Championship.

In March 2007 the IRFU created the "High Performance Select Group" of up and coming Irish players who have been earmarked for future Irish teams. This group included Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney, Stephen Ferris, and Jamie Heaslip. The aim of the group is to provide young players with support and infrastructure and to ease their future transition into the Irish team. With the announcement of the rebuilding of Lansdowne Road, a new venue was required to stage Ireland's home internationals. The only stadium in Ireland capable of holding major rugby internationals was Croke Park, home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. To accommodate this, the GAA temporarily relaxed its rule governing the playing of so-called "foreign games" on its property. Initially, two Six Nations games were played at Croke Park during 2007; the first was a 17–20 loss to France, and the second a 43 to 13 win over England.

Ireland began their 2008 Six Nations Campaign with a narrow win over Italy. France then edged Ireland out in Paris, before they went on to beat Scotland in Dublin, Ireland then lost to eventual Grand Slammers Wales and England. In March 2008, Eddie O'Sullivan resigned as Ireland coach after the disappointing Six Nations and World Cup campaigns. Declan Kidney was subsequently appointed as manager but did not take up this role formally until after Ireland's tour of New Zealand and Australia (losing to the All Blacks 21–11 and Australia 18–12). His first official game in charge was against Canada at Thomond Park which Ireland won 55–0.

Ireland won the 2009 Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam by beating Wales at the Millennium Stadium 15–17 on 21 March 2009, the first time they had won the championship since 1985, and the first time they had won the Grand Slam since 1948. Ireland also became only the second team (after Wales in 2005) to win a Six Nations Grand Slam after playing more away games than at home. The Ireland team arrived home at Dublin airport to a heroes welcome. Afterwards around 18,000 fans turned out at the Mansion House to greet the team after clinching their Grand Slam. After Autumn Series victories against Fiji and South Africa, and a draw against Australia, Ireland ended 2009 unbeaten.

2010-Present

Ireland began the 2010 Six Nations with a home game against Italy, winning 29–11. Their second game was away to France with Ireland losing 33–10. Next Ireland were away to England. Ireland emerged victorious, a Tommy Bowe try and Ronan O'Gara conversion winning the match 16–20. Next Ireland were back at Croke Park against Wales. Ireland were winners, beating Wales 27–12 after a Man-of-the-Match performance from Tomas O'Leary. Ireland's final game of the Six Nations, and the last ever game at Croke Park, was against Scotland. Ireland went into the match with a 5th Triple Crown in sight, but lost to Scotland 20–23.

Ireland began their 2010 Summer Tests with a non-cap friendly against the Barbarians, which they lost 23–29. Their next game saw them take on New Zealand. An injury hit side fielded a number of inexperienced or uncapped players, Jamie Heaslip was sent off in the 15th minute, and Ireland were thrashed 66–28, their heaviest ever defeat, though a come back in the second half gained them credit, with tries from O'Driscoll, Bowe and D'Arcy after Tuohy's first half try. Ireland's next game was against New Zealand Maori. The side fielded many inexperienced players. The game was level at 18–18 at half-time, but the Maori won 31–28. Ireland's last game of the Summer Tests, was against Australia which they lost 22–15.

Ireland began their 2010 Autumn Tests with a 21–23 defeat to South Africa, the first international at the new Aviva Stadium. Ronan O'Gara won his 100th cap for Ireland during the game. Ireland's next game was against Samoa, which they won 20–10. Ireland's third game of the 2010 Autumn Tests was against New Zealand, which the All-Blacks won 18–38. Ireland's final game of the 2010 Autumn Tests was against Argentina, which Ireland won 29–9.

The 2011 Six Nations Championship began for Ireland against Italy in Rome, where a late Ronan O'Gara drop goal secured an 11–13 win for Ireland. Ireland lost 22–25 to France in their second match, the first Six Nations match to be played at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland next played Scotland at Murrayfield, defeating the Scots 18–21. Wales defeated Ireland 19–13 at the Millenium Stadium. During the game, Ronan O'Gara became the first Irishman, and only the fifth player, to cross the 1,000-point barrier in international rugby, and Brian O'Driscoll equalled the Four/Five/Six Nations all-time record for tries scored. Ireland's final game was against England, who were chasing their first Grand Slam in eight years. Ireland won 24–8 to ruin England's hopes, Brian O'Driscoll scored his 25th Championship try to set a new record, and Ronan O'Gara made his 56th Championship appearance to equal the record of countryman Mike Gibson.

Ireland's 2012 Six Nations Championship campaign began with 21–23 defeat at the hands of Wales. Ireland's second game, away to France, was called off due to a frozen pitch. Ireland beat Italy 42–10 in their second fixture of the 2012 Six Nations. Ireland's third game was the re-arranged fixture against France at the Stade de France, which was drawn 17–17. Ireland beat Scotland 32–14 in their Round 4 game. Ireland's final 2012 Six Nations game was away to England, which the hosts won 30–9, meaning Ireland finished third overall with two wins, one draw and two defeats.

Ireland began their three-test 2012 summer tour of New Zealand with a 42–10 defeat. Ireland narrowly lost the second test after a 79th minute Dan Carter drop-goal secured a 22–19 win for New Zealand. New Zealand won the third test 60–0, securing a 3–0 series victory and inflicting upon Ireland their heaviest ever defeat.

Ireland opened their 2012 November tests with a 12–16 defeat at the hands of South Africa. Ireland's second game of the series was an uncapped friendly against Fiji, which the Irish XV won 53–0. Ireland beat Argentina 46–24 in the third and final 2012 November test, securing a place in the IRB Rankings top 8.

The 2013 Six Nations Championship began for Ireland with a trip to Wales, where Ireland won 22-30, their first win against Wales since 2010. Ireland lost their second game, at home to England, 6-12, the first time they have lost home to England in 10 years. Scotland beat Ireland 12-8 in Round 3 of the tournament, meaning that Ireland no longer had any chance of winning the 2013 Championship. Ireland drew 13-13 with France in Round 4, the second consecutive draw between the sides. Ireland went into their final game of the tournament, against Italy, knowing that defeat could leave them with the Wooden Spoon. Italy won the game 22-15, their first win over Ireland in the Six Nations, but France ended up with the Wooden Spoon because Ireland had a better points-difference. The IRFU decided not to extend Declan Kidney's contract in the wake of the defeat, meaning Les Kiss would take over as Interim head coach for the North America Tour in June 2013. Leinster's Joe Schmidt was announced as the new permanent Ireland team coach on 29 April 2013. His contract will start on 1 July 2013, after Ireland's tour of North America, which will still be led by Les Kiss.

Flags and anthems

Flag of the IRFU

The Irish rugby union team is one of a few national sporting teams on the island that draws widespread support in both Northern Ireland and the Republic, and from both nationalist and unionist communities. As Ireland represents players from different sovereign territories, there has been controversy over the flags and anthems. When Irish internationals were played alternately in Belfast and Dublin, the UK national anthem was played for matches in Belfast and the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland "Amhrán na bhFiann" was played for matches in Dublin.^{citation needed} No anthem was played at away games.

Since April 1995, a specially composed anthem, "Ireland's Call" has been used by the Irish team in away games. This has prompted some players and supporters from the Republic to complain that "Amhrán na bhFiann" should be played. At games played in Dublin "Ireland's Call" is always used alongside "Amhrán na bhFiann". This use of "Amhrán na bhFiann" has caused similar complaints from players and supporters from Northern Ireland.^{citation needed} With Ireland's friendly game against Italy in the run up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup scheduled to be held in Belfast, there were calls for "God Save the Queen" to be used alongside "Ireland's Call" but this was turned down by the IRFU with the explanation given that both Ireland's Call and Amhrán na bhFiann are only played together in Dublin, and that outside of the Republic, Ireland's Call is exclusively used.

Similarly, the Irish tricolour, the official flag of the Republic of Ireland, is flown only when playing in the Republic. A flag with symbols representing the four provinces of Ireland with the shamrock in the center is flown alongside the Irish tricolour in Dublin, and is used exclusively when playing elsewhere.^{citation needed} At some matches, the standard of the island's rugby union governing body, the Irish Rugby Football Union, is displayed on the field during pre-match ceremonies.^{citation needed}

At the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the Ireland team entered the field of play at the beginning of their matches with the Irish tricolour and the Flag of Ulster,^{citation needed} to which the six Irish counties in Northern Ireland belong.

Home grounds

Lansdowne Road, the former home of Irish rugby, seen here during a Leinster-Munster game.

The traditional home of Irish rugby is Lansdowne Road in Dublin, where most of Ireland's home matches were held. The stadium was rebuilt between 2007 and 2010. Naming rights were sold to an insurance company, and the venue is now referred to as the Aviva Stadium. The original stadium, owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union, was built in 1872, and so the venue continues to hold the distinction as the oldest still in use for international rugby. In 1878 the ground hosted its first rugby Test, with Ireland playing host to the English (the first representative rugby match had taken place prior to the Test, a game between Ulster and Leinster). Lansdowne Road had a capacity of just over 49,000 before it was demolished in summer 2007. The redeveloped stadium seats 51,700 and was opened in May 2010. The final Irish Test prior to work commencing on the remodelled stadium was against the Pacific Islanders in late 2006. With Lansdowne Road unavailable for use, Ireland was without a suitable home ground for the subsequent Six Nations. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) owned Croke Park (an 82,500 capacity stadium) was made available for Ireland's two home games against France and England in 2007. It was the first time ever that rugby was played at the venue. Croke Park remained in use for Ireland's Six Nations matches and other major Tests until the completion of the redevelopment at Lansdowne Road.

Aviva Stadium, on Lansdowne Road.

The first Ireland match at the rebuilt stadium was against reigning World Cup champions South Africa on 6 November 2010.South Africa won the match 23–22. Because of the historic significance of this match, South Africa announced that they would wear their change strip to allow Ireland to wear their home green; normally, the home team change their colours in case of a clash.

Although Ireland has never totally hosted the Rugby World Cup, select games from both the 1991 and 1999 World Cups were played throughout venues in Ireland. Pool B in 1991 was mainly played in Ireland and Scotland, with two games at Lansdowne Road (involving Ireland) and one (Zimbabwe v Japan) played at Ravenhill, Belfast. A quarter-final and a semi-final were also hosted by Dublin. A similar system was used in 1999, though in addition to Lansdowne and Ravenhill, Thomond Park was also a venue. Lansdowne Road was also the host of a quarter-final in 1999. Ireland were set to host matches at Lansdowne Road for the 2007 World Cup, but due to scheduling conflicts with the reconstruction of the stadium, they decided they were not in a position to host any.

Record

Six Nations

Brian O'Driscoll lifting the 2009 Six Nations Grand slam trophy.

Ireland's Grand slam trophy haul in 2009

The Six Nations Championship, held every year in February and March is Ireland's only annual tournament. It is contested against England, France, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Ireland was a member of the inaugural Home Nations in 1883 – with France and Italy joining later to form the Five and Six Nations respectively. Ireland won their first championship in 1894, winning the Triple Crown also. Ireland's first Grand Slam occurred in the 1948 season and their second in the 2009 season. In total Ireland have been champions on eleven occasions.

	England	France	Ireland	Italy	Scotland	Wales
Tournaments	117	84	119	14	119	119
Outright Wins (Shared Wins)
Home Nations	5 (4)	NA	4 (4)	NA	9 (2)	7 (4)
Five Nations	17 (6)	12 (8)	6 (5)	NA	5 (6)	15 (8)
Six Nations	4	5	1	0	0	4
Overall	26 (10)	17 (8)	11 (9)	0 (0)	14 (8)	26 (12)
Grand Slams
Home Nations	0	NA	0	NA	0	2
Five Nations	11	6	1	NA	3	6
Six Nations	1	3	1	0	0	3
Overall	12	9	2	0	3	11
Triple Crowns
Home Nations	5	NA	2	NA	7	6
Five Nations	16	NA	4	NA	3	11
Six Nations	2	NA	4	NA	0	3
Overall	23	NA	10	NA	10	20
Wooden Spoons
Home Nations	11	NA	15	NA	8	8
Five Nations	14	17	21	NA	21	12
Six Nations	0	1	0	9	3	1
Overall	25	18	36	9	32	21

Rugby World Cup

Main article: Ireland at the Rugby World Cup

Ireland and Australia contesting a line-out in the 2011 Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup record

World Cup record								World Cup Qualification record
Year	Round	P	W	D	L	F	A	P	W	D	L	F	A
1987	Quarter Final	4	2	0	2	99	74	Automatically qualified
1991	Quarter Final	4	2	0	2	120	70
1995	Quarter Final	4	2	0	2	105	130
1999	Quarter Final playoff	4	2	0	2	124	73	2	2	0	0	123	35
2003	Quarter Final	5	3	0	2	162	99	2	2	0	0	98	17
2007	Pool Stage	4	2	0	2	64	82	Automatically qualified
2011	Quarter Final	5	4	0	1	145	56
2015	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2019	To be determined							To be determined
Total	8/8	30	17	0	13	819	584	4	4	0	0	221	52

Ireland have competed at every Rugby World Cup tournament. The furthest they have progressed is the quarter-finals, which they have made five times out of seven. They have finished top of their pool once, in 2011, after beating pool favourite Australia.

In the first tournament, held in Australia and New Zealand in 1987, Ireland finished second in their pool after a loss to Wales, before Ireland were knocked out by Australia in the quarter final in Sydney.

In 1991 Ireland again lost one match in pool play, this time to Scotland. Ireland again met Australian in the quarter-finals, losing by one point.

In 1995 Ireland were runner-up in their pool to the All Blacks. Ireland were defeated by France in their quarter-final in Durban.

In 1999 Ireland finished second in their pool behind Australia, and went into the quarter-final play-offs (a system exclusive to the 1999 tournament). There they lost to Argentina, and thus, not being a quarter-finalists, Ireland were not given automatic entry into the 2003 tournament.

In qualifying matches, Ireland defeated Russia and Georgia to advance to the 2003 tournament. Ireland finished second to Australia in their pool, and were knocked out by France in the quarter finals.

In the 2007 World Cup Ireland played in the so-called "Group of death" with hosts France, Argentina, Namibia and Georgia. Ireland defeated Namibia in their opening game 32–17. Their progress was then put into doubt when they beat Georgia 14–10, not obtaining a bonus point. Ireland lost to France 25–3. Entering their last group match against Argentina, needing four tries to secure a bonus point without allowing Argentina anything, Ireland were defeated 30-15 and crashed out at the pool stage for the first time.

IRB World Rankings
Top 25 Rankings as of 20 May 2013
Rank	Change*	Team	Points
1		New Zealand	90.08
2		South Africa	86.94
3		Australia	86.87
4		England	83.72
5		Wales	83.36
6		France	81.59
7		Samoa	78.71
8		Argentina	78.71
9		Ireland	78.05
10		Scotland	76.86
11		Tonga	76.10
12		Italy	76.06
13		Fiji	71.52
14		Canada	71.41
15		Japan	70.09
16		United States	68.32
17		Georgia	67.66
18		Romania	65.82
19		Russia	62.34
20		Spain	60.44
21		Uruguay	59.87
22		Portugal	58.82
23		Namibia	58.45
24	2	South Korea	58.10
25	1	Belgium	57.52
*Change from the previous week
Ireland's Historical Rankings
Source: IRB - Graph updated to 20 May 2013

Ireland were in Pool C for the 2011 Rugby World Cup with Australia, Russia, USA and Italy. Their first pool game was against the USA, which ended in a 22–10 victory for Ireland. Ireland's second pool game was against Australia. Despite being underdogs, Ireland recorded their first victory over Australia at a World Cup with a 15–6 win. Ireland comfortably beat Russia 62–12 in their third pool game. Ireland secured first place in the pool with a 36–6 win over Italy, the first time that Ireland were group winners in their World Cup history. Ireland lost their quarter final to Wales 10–22.

Overall

Their Test record against all nations: As of 9 March 2013, after Ireland v France.

Against	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Win %
Argentina	13	8	5	0	61.54%
Australia	30	9	20	1	30.00%
Barbarians	5	1	4	0	20.00%
Canada	5	4	0	1	80.00%
England	127	46	73	8	36.22%
Fiji	3	3	0	0	100.00%
France	92	29	56	7	31.52%
Georgia	3	3	0	0	100.00%
Italy	22	18	4	0	81.82%
Japan	5	5	0	0	100.00%
Namibia	4	2	2	0	50.00%
New Zealand	27	0	26	1	0.00%
New Zealand Natives	1	0	1	0	0.00%
Pacific Islanders	1	1	0	0	100.00%
Presidents XV	1	0	0	1	0.00%
Romania	8	8	0	0	100.00%
Russia	2	2	0	0	100.00%
Samoa	5	4	1	0	80.00%
Scotland	128	57	66	5	44.88%
South Africa	21	4	16	1	19.05%
Tonga	2	2	0	0	100.00%
United States	7	7	0	0	100.00%
Wales	119	48	65	6	40.34%
Zimbabwe	1	1	0	0	100.00%
Total	632	262	339	31	41.52%

Current squad

The squad for the 2013 North America tour was announced on 19 May 2013. Les Kiss is head coach in an interim role.

• Caps updated after test against Italy on 16 March 2013.

Head Coach: Les Kiss (Interim)

Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by the International Rugby Board.

Player Position Date of Birth (Age) Caps Club/province Rory Best (c) Hooker (1982-08-15) 15 August 1982 67 Ulster Mike Sherry Hooker (1988-06-18) 18 June 1988 0 Munster Richardt Strauss Hooker (1986-01-29) 29 January 1986 2 Leinster Tom Court Prop (1980-11-06) 6 November 1980 30 Ulster Declan Fitzpatrick Prop (1983-06-12) 12 June 1983 4 Ulster Jamie Hagan Prop (1987-04-05) 5 April 1987 0 Leinster David Kilcoyne Prop (1988-12-14) 14 December 1988 6 Munster Mike Ross Prop (1979-12-21) 21 December 1979 29 Leinster Mike McCarthy Lock (1981-11-27) 27 November 1981 10 Connacht Devin Toner Lock (1986-06-29) 29 June 1986 5 Leinster Dan Tuohy Lock (1985-06-18) 18 June 1985 5 Ulster Iain Henderson Flanker (1992-02-21) 21 February 1992 5 Ulster Chris Henry Flanker (1984-10-17) 17 October 1984 6 Ulster Kevin McLaughlin Flanker (1984-09-20) 20 September 1984 5 Leinster Tommy O'Donnell Flanker (1987-06-21) 21 June 1987 0 Munster Peter O'Mahony Flanker (1989-09-17) 17 September 1989 14 Munster Isaac Boss Scrum-half (1980-04-09) 9 April 1980 15 Leinster Kieran Marmion Scrum-half (1992-02-11) 11 February 1992 0 Connacht Paul Marshall Scrum-half (1985-06-26) 26 June 1985 1 Ulster Paddy Jackson Fly-half (1992-01-05) 5 January 1992 3 Ulster Ian Madigan Fly-half (1989-03-21) 21 March 1989 2 Leinster Darren Cave Centre (1987-04-05) 5 April 1987 3 Ulster Fergus McFadden Centre (1986-06-17) 17 June 1986 17 Leinster Stuart Olding Centre (1993-03-11) 11 March 1993 0 Ulster Andrew Trimble Wing (1984-10-20) 20 October 1984 49 Ulster Simon Zebo Wing (1990-03-16) 16 March 1990 5 Munster Robbie Henshaw Fullback (1993-06-12) 12 June 1993 0 Connacht Felix Jones Fullback (1987-08-05) 5 August 1987 3 Munster

Notable players

See also List of Ireland national rugby union footballers

Hall of Fame

Eight former Ireland players have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Five of these have also had the added honour of induction into the IRB Hall of Fame—Kyle in 2008; McBride, Millar and O'Reilly in 2009; and Gibson in 2011.

Mike Gibson Willie John McBride Tony O'Reilly Jack Kyle

Syd Millar Keith Wood Tom Kiernan Fergus Slattery

British and Irish Lions

The following Ireland players have represented the British and Irish Lions.

Tom Crean: 1896 Robert Johnston: 1896 Alexander Roulston Foster: 1910 Robert Alexander: 1938 Paddy Mayne: 1938 Jack Kyle: 1950 Jimmy Nelson: 1950 Karl Mullen: 1950 Robin Roe: 1955 Cecil Pedlow: 1955 Robin Thompson: 1955 Tony O'Reilly: 1955, 1959 Niall Brophy: 1959, 1962 Ronnie Dawson: 1959, 1968 Dave Hewitt: 1959, 1962 Bill Mulcahy: 1959, 1962 Andy Mulligan: 1959 Noel Murphy: 1959, 1966 Raymond Hunter: 1962 Willie John McBride:1962, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1974 Tom Kiernan: 1962, 1968 Syd Millar: 1962, 1968 Ray McLoughlin: 1966 Barry Bresnihan: 1966, 1968 Mike Gibson: 1966, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1977 Ken Kennedy: 1966, 1974 Jerry Walsh: 1966 Roger Young: 1966, 1968 Mick Doyle: 1968 Mike Hipwell: 1971

Sean Lynch: 1971 Fergus Slattery: 1971, 1974 Tom Grace:1974 Ken Goodall:1968 John Moloney: 1974 Moss Keane: 1974, 1977 Willie Duggan: 1977 Philip Orr: 1977, 1980 Rodney O'Donnell: 1980 Colin Patterson: 1980 John Robbie: 1980 Colm Tucker: 1980 Tony Ward: 1980 Ollie Campbell: 1980, 1983 John O'Driscoll: 1980, 1983 Ciaran Fitzgerald: 1983 David Irwin: 1983 Mike Kiernan: 1983 Hugo MacNeill: 1983 Gerry McLoughlin: 1983 Trevor Ringland: 1983 Donal Lenihan: 1983, 1989 Paul Dean: 1989 Brendan Mullin: 1989 Steve Smith: 1989 Philip Matthews: 1989 Vince Cunningham: 1993 Mick Galwey: 1993 Richard Wallace: 1993 Nick Popplewell: 1993

Eric Miller: 1997 Paul Wallace: 1997 Jeremy Davidson: 1997, 2001 Keith Wood: 1997, 2001 Rob Henderson: 2001 Tyrone Howe: 2001 David Wallace: 2001, 2009 Malcolm O'Kelly: 2001, 2005 Brian O'Driscoll: 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 Ronan O'Gara: 2001, 2005, 2009 Shane Byrne: 2005 Gordon D'Arcy: 2005, 2009 Simon Easterby: 2005 John Hayes: 2005, 2009 Denis Hickie: 2005 Shane Horgan: 2005 Donncha O'Callaghan: 2005, 2009 Paul O'Connell: 2005, 2009, 2013 Stephen Ferris: 2009 Jamie Heaslip: 2009, 2013 Keith Earls: 2009 Tommy Bowe: 2009, 2013 Luke Fitzgerald: 2009 Rob Kearney: 2009, 2013 Cian Healy: 2013 Conor Murray: 2013 Sean O'Brien: 2013 Jonathan Sexton: 2013

Individual all-time records

• Of the players known to have earned 80 or more Test caps, eight are current or retired members of the Ireland team. Three of these players have also crossed the 100-cap mark for Ireland. Ireland's all-time caps leader is Ronan O'Gara with 128. Trailing him is Brian O'Driscoll with 125. Ireland's third most capped player is John Hayes, who won 105 caps before retiring from rugby in December 2011. Following him is Peter Stringer, who has won 98 caps. Donncha O'Callaghan has won 94 caps in his Ireland career so far. Malcolm O'Kelly won 92 caps in his Ireland career before retiring in May 2010, Paul O'Connell has won 85 and Girvan Dempsey won 82 before retiring.

• These figures do not include caps for the Lions. When those are included, O'Driscoll, with a total of 131 international caps, is first amongst players currently active at Test level. O'Gara, with 130, is second. John Hayes, with 107, is currently fourteenth, O'Callaghan is twenty-seventh, O'Kelly is thirty-seventh and O'Connell is forty-fourth

• O'Gara holds the Ireland record for Test points with 1,083, placing him fourth all-time in international rugby union, and making him one of only five players to have reached the 1,000 points mark. The only active player ahead of him is Dan Carter (1,385). David Humphreys lies second in the national list with 560 points and Michael Kiernan is third on 308 points.

• O'Gara is also the highest points scorer in the Six Nations with 557 points. Jonny Wilkinson is second with 546, and Stephen Jones is third with 467.

• Ireland's record try scorer is O'Driscoll, who has 46 tries in his 125 appearances.Denis Hickie (29), Tommy Bowe (26), Shane Horgan (21) and Girvan Dempsey (19) complete the top 5 Irish try scorers.

• O'Driscoll is also first on the all-time list for Test matches as captain. He has captained Ireland 83 times and the Lions once.

• Keith Wood currently holds the world rugby union record for most International Test tries scored by a hooker, which is 15.

• Thomas Gisborne Gordon, who played for Ireland between 1877–78, is the only one handed player to have competed in international rugby of either code.

Most caps

#	Player	Career Span	Caps	Tries	Pts
1.	Ronan O'Gara	2000–2013	128	16	1083
2.	Brian O'Driscoll	1999–	125	46	245
3.	John Hayes	2000–2011	105	2	10
4.	Peter Stringer	2000–	98	6	30
5.	Donncha O'Callaghan	2003-	94	1	5
6.	Malcolm O'Kelly	1997–2009	92	8	40
7.	Paul O'Connell	2002–	85	6	30
8.	Girvan Dempsey	1998–2008	82	19	95
9.	Gordon D'Arcy	1999-	73	7	35
10.	David Humphreys	1996–2005	72	6	560
	Geordan Murphy	2000–2011	72	18	98
	David Wallace	2000–2011	72	12	60

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries

#	Player	Career Span	Tries	Caps	Ave.
1.	Brian O'Driscoll	1999–	46	125	0.38
2.	Denis Hickie	1997–2007	29	62	0.47
3.	Tommy Bowe	2004–	26	51	0.51
4.	Shane Horgan	2000–2009	21	65	0.32
5.	Girvan Dempsey	1998–2008	19	82	0.23
6.	Geordan Murphy	2000–2011	18	72	0.25
7.	Brendan Mullin	1984–1995	17	55	0.31
8.	Ronan O'Gara	2000–2013	16	128	0.13
9.	Kevin Maggs	1997–2005	15	70	0.21
	Keith Wood	1994–2003	15	58	0.26

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points

#	Player	Career Span	Pts	Caps	Tries	Con.	Pen.	DG	Ave.
1.	Ronan O'Gara	2000–2013	1083	128	16	176	202	15	8.67
2.	David Humphreys	1996–2005	560	72	6	88	110	8	7.78
3.	Michael Kiernan	1982–1991	308	43	6	40	62	6	7.16
4.	Eric Elwood	1993–1999	296	35	0	43	68	2	8.46
5.	Johnny Sexton	2009–	282	36	3	33	65	2	7.38
6.	Brian O'Driscoll	1999–	245	125	46	0	0	5	2.00
7.	Ollie Campbell	1976–1984	217	22	1	15	54	7	9.86
8.	Tom Kiernan	1960–1973	158	54	2	26	31	2	2.93
9.	Denis Hickie	1997–2007	145	62	29	0	0	0	2.34
10.	Tommy Bowe	2004–	130	51	26	0	0	0	2.54

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points in a match

#	Player	Position	Pts	Tries	Con.	Pen.	DG	Result	Opposition	Date
1.	Ronan O'Gara	Fly-half	32	2	2	5	1	40–14	Samoa	20 June 2003
2.	Ronan O'Gara	Fly-half	30	0	6	6	0	60–13	Italy	04/03/2000
3.	David Humphreys	Fly-half	26	1	3	5	0	36–6	Scotland	16 February 2003
	David Humphreys	Fly-half	26	1	6	3	0	61–6	Italy	30 August 2003
	Paddy Wallace	Fly-half	26	1	6	3	0	61–17	Pacific Islanders	26 November 2006
6.	Paul Burke	Fly-half	24	0	0	8	0	29–37	Italy	04/01/1997
	David Humphreys	Fly-half	24	0	0	7	1	24–28	Argentina	20 October 1999
8.	Ralph Keyes	Fly-half	23	0	4	5	0	55–11	Zimbabwe	06/10/1991
	Ronan O'Gara	Fly-half	23	0	10	1	0	78–9	Japan	11 November 2000
10.	David Humphreys	Fly-half	22	0	2	6	0	54–10	Wales	03/02/2002

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match

Tries	Player	Position	Result	Opposition	Date
4	Brian Robinson	Number 8	55–11	Zimbabwe	06/10/1991
	Keith Wood	Hooker	53–8	United States	02/10/1999
	Denis Hickie	Wing	61–6	Italy	30 August 2003
3	Robert Montgomery	Three Quarters	0G-1G	Wales	12/03/1887
	Joseph Quinn	Wing	24–0	France	24 March 1913
	Eugene Davy	Wing	14–11	Scotland	22 February 1930
	Seamus Byrne	Wing	26–8	Scotland	28 February 1953
	Keith Crossan	Wing	60–0	Romania	01/11/1986
	Brendan Mullin	Centre	32–9	Tonga	03/06/1987
	Matt Mostyn	Wing	32–24	Argentina	28 August 1999
	Brian O'Driscoll	Centre	27–25	France	19 March 2000
	Mike Mullins	Centre	83–3	United States	10/06/2000
	Denis Hickie	Wing	78–9	Japan	11 November 2000
	Rob Henderson	Centre	41–22	Italy	03/02/2001
	Brian O'Driscoll	Centre	43–22	Scotland	02/03/2002
	Kevin Maggs	Centre	64–17	Fiji	17 November 2002

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most matches as captain

#	Player	Span	Caps	Total caps	Win %
1.	Brian O'Driscoll	2002–2012	83	125	62.65%
2.	Keith Wood	1996–2003	36	58	41.67%
3.	Tom Kiernan	1963–1973	24	54	58.33%
4.	Ciaran Fitzgerald	1982–1986	19	25	47.37%
5.	Donal Lenihan	1986–1990	17	52	47.05%
	Fergus Slattery	1979–1981	17	61	29.41%
7.	Michael Bradley	1999–2003	15	40	33.33%
	William Crawford	1948–1952	15	30	66.67%
	Karl Mullen	1961–1966	15	25	66.67%
10.	Philip Matthews	1974–1977	13	38	30.76%
	George Stephenson	1961–1966	13	42	53.85%

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Youngest players

#	Player	Age	DOB	Debut	Opposition
1.	Frank Hewitt	17 years 157 days	03/10/1906	08/03/1924	Wales
2.	John Quirke	17 years 229 days	26 June 1944	10/02/1962	England
3.	George McAllan	18 years 13 days	2 February 1878	15 February 1896	Scotland
4.	Edmund Forrest	18 years 57 days	05/10/1870	01/12/1888	New Zealand Natives
5.	Aidan Bailey	18 years 68 days	1 January 1916	10/03/1934	Wales
6.	George Stephenson	18 years 103 days	22 December 1901	03/04/1920	France
7.	George Fagan	18 years 104 days	27 November 1859	11/03/1878	England
8.	Dave Hewitt	18 years 131 days	9 September 1939	18 January 1958	Australia
9.	Frederick Harvey	18 years 189 days	01/09/1888	09/03/1907	Wales
10.	Dickie Lloyd	18 years 192 days	04/08/1891	12/02/1910	England

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Oldest players

#	Player	Age	DOB	Last Match	Opposition
1.	John Hayes	37 years 277 days	02/11/1973	06/08/2011	Scotland
2.	Mike Gibson	36 years 195 days	03/12/1942	16 June 1979	Australia
3.	Phil Orr	36 years 175 days	14 December 1950	07/06/1987	Australia
4.	Peter Clohessy	36 years 15 days	22 March 1966	06/04/2002	France
5.	Ronan O'Gara	35 years 354 days	7 March 1977	24 February 2013	Scotland
6.	Syd Millar	35 years 295 days	23 May 1934	14 March 1970	Wales
7.	Moss Keane	35 years 220 days	27 July 1948	3 March 1984	Scotland
8.	Ray McLoughlin	35 years 203 days	24 August 1939	15 March 1975	Wales
9.	Davy Tweed	35 years 199 days	13 November 1959	31 May 1995	Japan
10.	Mick Galwey	35 years 145 days	08/10/1966	02/03/2002	Scotland

Last updated: Ireland vs Italy, 16 March 2013. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Coaches

The IRFU first decided to appoint a coach in 1968

Ronnie Dawson 1969 – 1972 Syd Millar 1972 – 1975 Roly Meates 1975–1977 Noel Murphy 1977–1980 Tom Kiernan 1980 – 1983 Willie John McBride 1983–1984 Mick Doyle 1984–1987 Jim Davidson 1987–1990 Ciaran Fitzgerald 1990–1992

Gerry Murphy 1993–1995 Murray Kidd 1995–1997 Brian Ashton 1997–1998 Warren Gatland 1998–2001 Eddie O'Sullivan 2001–2008 Declan Kidney 2008 – 2013 Les Kiss 2013 (Interim coch for 2013 Summer tour to North America) Joe Schmidt 2013 -

Shirt Sponsors

Since the Autumn of 2006, Ireland's shirt sponsor has been O2, who took over from Permanent TSB, who were the sponsor between Autumn 2002 and Summer 2006. They in turn had replaced Irish Permanent, who were sponsors between 1996 to Summer 2002.

Kit Suppliers

Since November 2009, Ireland have had their training and playing kit supplied by Puma, who took over from Canterbury of New Zealand, who had been the supplier between the Summer of 2000 to June 2009. They in turn had replaced Nike, who were suppliers between 1992 and the Summer of 2000. Before 1992, Umbro supplied kit to Ireland.

See also

• Ireland national rugby union team tours
• Irish Rugby Football Union
• Six Nations
• World Cup
• British and Irish Lions
• RaboDirect Pro12
• Millennium Trophy
• Rugby union in Ireland
• Ireland national rugby league team

Sources

• History of Rugby in other countries
• IrishRugby.ie

External links

• Irish Rugby Football Union
• Irish rugby union news from Planet Rugby
• Irish Rugby.co.uk Irish rugby union news