Roll on February!
The Irish women’s rugby team will have a new home for their 2016 Six Nations campaign.
The IRFU has confirmed that the squad, who boast numerous successes over the last few years, will now play their Six Nations home fixtures in Donnybrook.
Captain Niamh Briggs with the Six Nations trophy.
Having played all home games at Ashbourne since 2009, Tom Tierney’s side will now move to the bigger venue with Wales, Italy and Scotland all coming to battle it out in Dublin next February and March.
The news has been welcomed by fans, particularly following scenes from Ashbourne in February of this year, which saw Ireland’s game with France delayed due to lighting issues.
“The move to a bigger venue is fantastic for the development of the game,” said captain Niamh Briggs.
Ireland will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017.
“But we will of course miss Ashbourne where we have always been made so welcome and were so well looked after.”
“We are delighted to have left on the high of a championship win and hope that all the supporters that followed our journey will join us for the next steps in the development of our game at Donnybrook.”
Ireland will be hoping to continue their dominance in the competition next year, with two Six Nations titles already under their belts, including a Grand Slam in 2013.
The side’s home games will now be in Donnybrook.
The talented squad also finished fourth at the World Cup, with a hugely memorable victory over New Zealand.
They will kick off their Six Nations journey against Wales at Donnybrook on Saturday, February 6th at 1pm, while it was also confirmed that the Irish Under-20s team will also be calling Donnybrook home next year.
