Ireland poised for Dubai date

Ireland could take on world champions South Africa in a Test match in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Springboks have agreed in principle to the exhibition contest which is set to be played on November 1, according to the Gulf News.

It would be the second Test match at a neutral venue on that day, with the fourth and final match of the 2008 Bledisloe Cup series between Australia and New Zealand due to take place in Hong Kong.

Andy Marinos, manager (national teams) of SA Rugby told Gulf News: “We are working on such a possibility though there are certain mechanics with the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) and the broadcast and commercial rights of the match which need to be sorted out.”