Ireland & England Confirm 2017 Test Fixtures

The Japan Rugby Football Union has confirmed the dates of Ireland’s two Tests against the Brave Blossoms in June 2017.

The first Test will take place on Saturday, June 17 with the second game following a week later on Saturday, June 24. Venues and kick-off times will be confirmed in early 2017.

Japan, who famously defeated the Springboks at last year’s Rugby World Cup, came close to a famous result against Wales at the Prinicipality Stadium in November where they lost 33-30 to a last-minute drop goal. They will also play Romania on Saturday, June 10 before the two Tests against Ireland.

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph said:

“Romania will be a first experience for a lot of the players and staff come June 2017. None of the coaching staff and many of the players have yet to experience playing the Romanians who are renowned to be very physical opponents.

“That match precedes the two games against Ireland and will be one of three great Tests for the new Japan team.”

The Japanese Rugby Football Union will confirm match venues and times in due course with ticket information being announced after March 2017.

IRELAND Summer Tour of Japan

Japan v IRELAND, Saturday 17th June, 2017
Japan v IRELAND, Saturday 24th June, 2017

After an unbeaten 2016 on the international scene, England’s fixtures have also been confirmed for the 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series and Cup.

First, an England XV will take on the Barbarians in the Old Mutual Wealth Cup at Twickenham on 28 May. The match will take place the day after the Premiership final, and before England fly to Argentina for a two-Test summer series.

Eddie Jones’ men will then play three Test matches against Argentina (11 November), Australia (18 November) and Samoa (25 November) at Twickenham.

England registered wins over Argentina and Australia in last month’s series en-route to an unbeaten year.

“This season’s Old Mutual Wealth Series was fantastic for England and we had brilliant support from 82,000 fans every week,” said Jones.

“This block of matches are an important step in our preparations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and we look forward to playing in the 2017 series against three tough opponents.”

Meanwhile, England Women will play three fixtures in November 2017, concluding against Canada at Twickenham on 25 November, after the men’s game against Samoa.