The Emerging Ireland squad will tour South Africa this summer.
A panel of second-string, inexperienced Ireland players will have a chance to test their skills against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition in South Africa, while also having the opportunity to connect with the National Coaching Team and perform under the intensity of the National Team environment.
Like last year, Ireland's Defence Coach Simon Easterby will lead the team, and he will be joined by Ireland Forwards Coach Paul O’Connell, Ireland Scrum Coach John Fogarty, and incoming Ireland Backs Coach Andrew Goodman.
The Ireland squad will meet up on September 25 before departing for Bloemfontein three days later.
Ireland will start their tour against the Pumas on Wednesday, October 2, before playing Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, October 6.
An Emerging Ireland squad, led by Simon Easterby, will travel to South Africa this Autumn to play three matches against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition 🇿🇦#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 11, 2024
The tour will then end with a game against the defending Currie Cup champions, the Cheetahs, on Wednesday, October 9, with all matches being played at Toyota Stadium.
Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “The 2022 Tour was of huge value, as evidenced by the cohort of players who have come through and been capped at Test level for Ireland since. It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches, but that is part of the challenge for the whole group: building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey.”
Kick-off times and broadcast details will be confirmed in due course, while the Emerging Ireland squad for South Africa will be announced in September.
Emerging Ireland Tour, South Africa 2024:
- Wednesday, October 2: Emerging Ireland vs. The Pumas
- Sunday, October 6: Emerging Ireland vs. Western Force
- Wednesday, October 9: Emerging Ireland vs. The Cheetahs.
