Ireland To Face Canada In Rugby World Cup Opener
Ireland’s opening opponents in the pool stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup have been confirmed. They will face Canada first up at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2015.
Canada qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England after beating arch rivals USA 13-11 at the BMO Stadium on Saturday.
That is the same Toronto venue where Ireland ended their summer tour in mid-June with a six-try 40-14 win over the Canadians.
Canada’s second triumph over the Americans followed last weekend’s 27-9 victory in Charleston to give the home side a 40-20 aggregate verdict, booking their place at the next World Cup.
They will be line up in Pool D as the Americas 1 qualifiers, alongside Ireland, France, Italy and the yet-to-be-confirmed Europe 2 qualifiers.
Canada will face Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on September 19, Italy on September 26 at Elland Road in Leeds, France on October 1 at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, before wrapping up the pool against the Europe 2 qualifiers on October 6 at Leicester City Stadium.
Click here for the full updated 2015 Rugby World Cup match schedule.
Yesterday’s defeat does not spell the end of USA’s chances of making it to England 2015. A much improved performance will breed confidence as Mike Tolkin’s side progress to face Uruguay home and away for the right to claim the Americas 2 place.
Canada captain Aaron Carpenter said: “It is an amazing feeling to know that we will be there proudly representing Canada at the Rugby World Cup.
“It caps an incredible year with more Test matches and Pacific Nations Cup inclusion and I am sure it will boost rugby interest here. I am really proud of the guys.”
It was fitting that the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) IRB Regional Association should deliver the first qualified team to England 2015.
The global process kicked off in the region last year with Mexico playing host to Jamaica. By its completion, some 3,000 players from 80 Unions across every continent will have participated in the 184 matches that comprise the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying programme.
IRELAND’S 2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL D FIXTURES:
Saturday, September 19 – Ireland v Canada, Millennium Stadium
Sunday, September 27 – Ireland v Europe 2 qualifiers, Wembley Stadium
Sunday, October 4 – Ireland v Italy, Olympic Stadium
Sunday, October 11 – Ireland v France, Millennium Stadium
Related Links –
2015 Rugby World Cup Ticket Information
World Cup Match Venues And Schedule Announced
Ireland Pitted Against Six Nations Rivals In RWC Pool