Ireland to play first stand-alone game at Aviva
Ireland previously played a Women's Six Nations game at the Aviva 12 years ago against Italy
- Published
Ireland will play their first stand-alone Women's Six Nations fixture at the Aviva Stadium when they host Scotland at the Dublin venue next year.
Scott Bemand's side will face Scotland in their final 2026 Six Nations fixture on Sunday, 17 May, with kick-off at 14:30 BST.
It will be the second time Ireland, who face France in the Women's World Cup last eight on Sunday, have played at Aviva Stadium.
In their first game they cruised to a five-try victory over Italy in 2014 which formed part of a Six Nations double-header alongside the men's team.
"A lot of work has happened behind the scenes to get to this point from everyone across the IRFU and as part of our women's strategy, we're committed to growing our Green Wave further off the back of the brilliant support the team has received throughout the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025," said IRFU Director of Communications Aoife Clarke.
"We have seen fantastic numbers turn out in Northampton and Brighton in recent weeks and we want to see them out in force in Aviva Stadium next May."
'To see it come to fruition is amazing'
Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan says that the game will be "very special" for the players and credits her team-mates, supporters and the IRFU for making it happen.
"That's huge for us. It is something we have aspired to these last few years and when Scott first came in, we mapped out places we wanted to go and that was one of them, so to see that come to fruition is amazing," Monaghan said.
"To have a game in the Aviva is amazing and very special. We are really looking forward to it."
Ireland will open their 2026 Women's Six Nations against holders England at Twickenham on Saturday, 11 April.
They will then host Italy on Saturday, 18 April before travelling to France on Saturday, 25 April.
They conclude with back-to-back home fixtures against Wales on Saturday, 9 May and the visit of Scotland to Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 17 May.
Ireland's home venues for games against Italy and Wales are to still to be announced.