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Ireland Women's Rugby to Play First Match at Aviva Stadium

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 12:23 GMT by Irish Examiner
      Locales: IRELAND, FRANCE

Dublin, Ireland - January 29th, 2026 - In a landmark moment for Irish rugby, the Ireland women's national team is set to make history by playing their first-ever match at the iconic Aviva Stadium on April 27th, 2026. The announcement, made earlier today, has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation, signaling a significant step forward for the growth and visibility of women's rugby in Ireland.

The fixture will see the Irish team take on the Barbarians as part of the latter's centenary celebrations. While a celebratory match for the Barbarians, the choice of Dublin and featuring the Irish women's team is undeniably strategic. It's a deliberate move to elevate the profile of the women's game, providing a platform previously reserved for their male counterparts.

For years, the Irish women's rugby team have operated, and excelled, largely outside the mainstream spotlight. They've consistently demonstrated their skill and dedication, achieving notable successes on the international stage - including a Six Nations Triple Crown in 2023 - but have often lacked the exposure enjoyed by the men's team. The Aviva Stadium, with a capacity of over 51,000, provides a vastly larger stage. This isn't merely about a single game; it's about sending a powerful message that women's rugby is a sport worthy of national attention and investment.

The Barbarians team, traditionally comprised of invitational players, will be captained by Lydia Thompson, a highly respected former England international. Thompson's leadership will add another layer of prestige to the match, drawing in fans of the Barbarians' renowned attacking style. The presence of a seasoned international captain also underlines the seriousness with which the Barbarians are treating this fixture and their commitment to promoting women's rugby.

Ticket sales begin on February 15th, 2026, and are expected to be high. Irish rugby officials are hopeful that the match will attract a substantial crowd, demonstrating the growing public interest in the women's game. The pricing structure is still to be announced, but organizers have committed to ensuring tickets are accessible to a wide range of fans, particularly families.

"This is fantastic news for Irish rugby, and particularly for our women's team," stated an Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) spokesperson. "Playing at the Aviva Stadium is a dream for any rugby player, and it's an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent and passion of our women's team to a huge crowd. We're confident that this match will inspire a new generation of young girls to take up the sport."

The impact of this game is expected to extend far beyond the 80 minutes on the pitch. The IRFU, in conjunction with local clubs and schools, is planning a series of outreach programs designed to capitalize on the increased visibility. These initiatives will focus on introducing rugby to young girls, providing opportunities for them to try the sport, and fostering a sustainable pipeline of talent. There is also a focus on encouraging greater female participation at all levels of the game, from coaching and refereeing to administration.

Furthermore, the match is predicted to attract increased sponsorship and media coverage for the women's team. While progress has been made in recent years, women's sports continue to lag behind men's in terms of commercial investment. A successful event at the Aviva Stadium could significantly boost the team's financial stability and allow them to invest in better training facilities, coaching staff, and player development programs.

The decision to host the match at the Aviva Stadium also reflects a wider global trend towards greater recognition and support for women's rugby. The recent Rugby World Cup saw record-breaking attendance and viewership, demonstrating the sport's growing popularity among both men and women. Ireland's commitment to showcasing its women's team on a major stage is a testament to its dedication to this burgeoning sport. It's a bold move that many hope will pave the way for more opportunities and a brighter future for women's rugby not just in Ireland, but globally.