Ireland set to face All Blacks in Christchurch

New Zealand rugby chiefs have confirmed today that the All Blacks will face Ireland in a test match in Christchurch next summer.

Declan Kidney’s side will return to New Zealand next June to play a three-test series against the World Champions.

The match is set to take place in Rugby League Park, which is set to undergo a major redevelopment over the next six months, after Jade Stadium – the home of the Canterbury Crusaders – was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes which claimed 181 lives last February.

With tests earmarked for Eden Park in Auckland and the Otago Stadium in Dunedin, it was believed that the third test match would be played in Wellington – the venue where Ireland were knocked out by Wales in the World Cup quarter-final.

Ireland are sure to have plenty of support in Christchurch next summer as thousands of Irish workers are set to flock to the area for major rebuilding works to the earthquake-damaged city.