Van der Flier relieved Ireland can now switch to the night shift

After the Saturday afternoon sun against Romania, Ireland's remaining pool matches will be played at night

CAP'S OFF: Josh van der Flier of Ireland after his side's victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Josh van der Flier is looking forward to night rugby for the rest of Ireland’s World Cup pool campaign after a gruelling afternoon under the sun against Romania.

The Irish squad has begun preparations for this Saturday’s Pool B clash with Tonga, set for a 9pm (8pm Irish time) kick-off at Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire. With temperatures set to cool across France this week it looks like being a lot more temperate this weekend than for last Saturday’s opening game for Ireland, when they kicked off their 82-8 victory over the Romanians in 36C heat.