Kidney eyes extra summer fixture

THE IRFU is planning a third fixture between the tests against New Zealand and Australia when Ireland head Down Under next summer.

Ireland will have the benefit of playing the All Blacks at the Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth on New Zealand’s north island west coast – the same venue they open their 2010 World Cup campaign in – on June 12, but then have a 14-day wait before taking on Australia in the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 26.

The Irish coach Declan Kidney is concerned at the length of time between matches and has asked for another fixture to be slotted in. It is understood that the additional game could be against the New Zealand Maoris, which would provide Ireland with a stiff examination between tests.