Ireland to play Australia at Thomond Park

The Republic of Ireland will play Australia on August 12 at Thomond Park Stadium, the FAI has announced today.

It is the first time a football game will be held in the 26,000-capacity redeveloped Limerick stadium.

The Republic of Ireland are currently second in Group 8 in their World Cup qualifying campaign, level on 10 points with World Cup holders Italy.

Pim Verbeek’s Australian side is ranked 27th in the FIFA world rankings, two places above Ireland and includes many players well known to Irish football fans including Scott McDonald (Celtic), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) and Tim Cahill (Everton).

The friendly will provide an opportunity for preparation ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Cyprus on September 5.

Announcing the agreement with the FAI, Thomond Park Stadium director John Cantwell said: "On behalf of Thomond Park Stadium and Munster Rugby, I am delighted to be in a position to announce the first major football fixture in Thomond Park.

"It has always been our objective in the redevelopment of the stadium to work with leading sports bodies to attract major sports events to the city.

"It is a great boost for Limerick and the many football and sports fans throughout the region who now have opportunity to watch international football on their doorstep. We are looking forward to working with the FAI to stage this memorable event.”

John Delaney, CEO of the Football Association of Ireland said: "I am very happy to have reached this agreement with Thomond Park Stadium.

"I thank the stadium’s management and Board for their foresight in opening up Thomond Park to other sports which will enable us to bring senior international football to Limerick for the first time. Thomond Park is a great sporting venue and we look forward to an exciting game against Australia in August."

Ticket and event information will be made available closer to the match date on both www.fai.ie and www.thomondpark.ie.