Ravenhill to host World Cup send-off

RAVENHILL is to host a full Irish senior international for the first time in over half a century.

IRFU chiefs yesterday revealed that Ireland will play Scotland and Italy in friendly internationals in August 2007 as part of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France the following month — with the latter game set for the Ulster venue.

Ireland will begin their warm up programme on Saturday, August 11, 2007, when they take on the Scots at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

This game will be followed by a friendly against Italy at Ravenhill on the weekend of August 24-26, 2007.

Ireland will play a home international outside of Lansdowne Road for only the second time in 53 years when they take on the Italians at Ravenhill.

The last full international played at the Belfast ground was against Scotland on February 27, 1954.

Commenting on the game, Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid said: “To have an international being played at Ravenhill is a huge boost for the game of rugby in Ulster. The recent success of Ulster and also the growth of the game in the province and throughout Ireland should ensure a magnificent send off for the Ireland team in advance of the World Cup.”

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: “With Lansdowne Road and Thomond Park both scheduled to be out of commission due to redevelopment, Ravenhill offers the best alternative venue for the game. Similar to the last time we played Italy in a friendly international, the capacity at Ravenhill should be sufficient to cope with the expected demand.”

The games against Scotland and Italy will be the final fixtures of a 12-match schedule for Ireland in advance of their opening Rugby World Cup match on September 9, 2007, in Bordeaux against the African qualifying team.

In addition to the World Cup warm up games, Ireland will play three November internationals against South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands.