Ireland to return to scene of 2007 nightmare for World Cup 2023 opener

Ireland play a European qualifier in the city where Eddie O’Sullivan’s 2007 squad’s World Cup dreams unravelled

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan after defeat to Argentina at the 2007 Rugby World Cup

Ireland are set for a return to Bordeaux when their World Cup 2023 campaign kicks off against a European qualifier with Friday’s match schedule announcement providing a blockbuster opening match with hosts France meeting New Zealand.

Ireland’s Pool B campaign gets underway against the Europe 2 qualifier, possibly Russia with Georgia likely to claim the Europe 1 spot at Stade de Bordeaux on September 9, 2023, in the city where Eddie O’Sullivan’s 2007 squad’s World Cup dreams unravelled as their base camp in that ill-fated pool campaign.