Ireland Strong Contenders In RWC 2011

Ireland face Australia and Italy as the only strong teams in the Pool Stage of the Rugby World Cup. Declan Kidney became Ireland coach in 2007 following the failure in France and created an exciting Irish side to watch, with a mixture of forward power and exciting backs they are a consistent top performer in the six nations and threat to any side.

A Balanced Record For Ireland In Rugby World Cup's So Far

Ireland have never got past the quarter final stages of the Rugby World Cup, losing twice to Australia, twice to France and in 1999 losing to Argentina in the Quarter Final Play-offs (28-24) their worst performance in World Cup history to date. That meant Ireland had to qualify for the World Cup in Australia, facing a European qualifying group in 2002, which they came through with ease. France 2007 and they fell to Argentina again but in the pool stage finishing third. Having played 20 World Cup matches, the Emerald shirts have a fairly balanced record winning 13 and losing 12.

Ireland have new shirts in time for the World Cup in France. The shirts were launched during July. Although they have stayed true to the colour green the shirt is very different to all previous versions. They have joined England and most tier one nations it utilising all the latest technology. The shirt manufactured by Canterbury which features special sticky panels can be seen and purchased through the Ireland Shirts page.

A Mercurial 13

In Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland have one of the worlds best centres, having starred for the British Lions on their tour of Australia in 2001 and then South Africa in 2009, he has superb ball skills and electric pace which mean he is a threat to any defence. Brian now has a couple of other exciting backs in Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe with silky skills.

Pool 'C' 20011

Ireland feature in pool 'C' along Australia, Italy, Europe 2 and Americas 2 in New Zealand 2011. Although Italy will give them a test we would be surprised and disappointed if they do not progress as second in the pool.

Ireland News

Australia Front Up - Australia 22-15 Ireland - A much improved forward effort saw the Wallabies home more comfortably than the scoreline said in this one of test against Ireland in Brisbane

All Blacks run away with first test - New Zealand 66-28 Ireland - A moment of madness from the Irish number eight Jamie Heaslip who was sent off for kneeing at a ruck in the first quarter of the game, ruined any chances Ireland had of competing and New Zealand ran in nine tries as they crushed 14-man Ireland in Saturday's Test match in New Plymouth

Teams for New Zealand v Ireland - New Zealand host Ireland at the Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth on Saturday 12 June Kick-off: 0845 BST

Ireland 2010 Tour Squad - Declan Kidney has called in uncapped players Chris Henry, Dan Tuohy and Fergus McFadden to a 33-man squad for Ireland's summer tour to New Zealand and Australia

Scotland triumph - Ireland 20-23 Scotland - Scotland denied Ireland a Triple Crown and handed Italy the wooden spoon by winning 23-20 at Croke Park thanks to a last-gasp Dan Parks penalty