2018 Ireland rugby union tour of Australia
In June 2018, Ireland played a three-test series against Australia as part of the 2018 June rugby union tests. It was the first time Ireland had played a test series against Australia in Australia since 2010. The series was part of the sixth year of the global rugby calendar established by World Rugby, which runs through to 2019.Fixtures
Squads
Note: Ages, caps and clubs are as per 9 June, the first test match of the tour.Ireland
On 23 May 2018, Joe Schmidt named a 32-man squad for the 2018 June rugby union tests.
On 31 May, tour captain Rory Best was ruled out of the test series with a hamstring injury. Munster's Niall Scannell was called-up to replace him, with Peter O'Mahony and Jonathan Sexton sharing the captaincy duties for the tour.
Dave Kilcoyne trained with the squad as injury cover for Cian Healy ahead of the third test, whilst Will Addison also trained with the team, though neither player was officially added to the touring squad.
Coaching team:
- Head coach: Joe Schmidt
- Defence coach: Andy Farrell
- Forwards coach: Simon Easterby
- Scrum coach: Greg Feek
Australia
On 30 May 2018, Michael Cheika named a 32-man squad for the three-test series against Ireland.
On 3 June, Pete Samu was added to the squad after New Zealand Rugby agreed to release the flanker, who plays for Crusaders in New Zealand, for the test series. On the same day however, hooker Jordan Uelese was ruled out of the series with a knee injury sustained playing for Melbourne Rebels. Tolu Latu was called-up to the squad to replace Uelese.
On 18 June, Jake Gordon was called-up to replace the injured Will Genia.
Coaching team:
- Head coach: Michael Cheika
- Attack coach: Stephen Larkham
- Forwards coach: Simon Raiwalui
- Defence coach: Nathan Grey
Matches
First Test
Notes:
Notes:
- Tadhg Beirne made his international debut.
- This was Ireland's first win against Australia in Australia since their 9–3 victory in Sydney in 1979.
Third Test
Notes:
- Peter O'Mahony and Jack McGrath won their 50th test caps.
- This was Ireland's first series victory against Australia since 1979, whilst Ireland also retained the Lansdowne Cup.
Statistics
Key
- Con: Conversions
- Pen: Penalties
- DG: Drop goals
- Pts: Points
Ireland statistics