Ireland to compete in inaugural Rugby Nations Championship in Australia in 2026

Ireland are due in Australia in two years for the 2027 World Cup but next year’s Rugby Nations Championship trip will make it three years in a row that the Irish Lions have played and coached Down Under.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR: Andy Farrell and his Irish Lions are set for a return to Australia in 2026 when Ireland compete in the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.

Andy Farrell and his Irish Lions are set for a return to Australia in 2026 when Ireland compete in the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship.

The Ireland boss led the British & Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies, though the tourists lost the third and final Test to Joe Schmidt’s side in Sydney on Saturday.