Ireland women’s rugby returns to home soil this weekend, with Tallaght Stadium preparing for a first-ever Ireland Test as Scott Bemand’s side face the USA in the opening match of the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series.
The 1.45pm kick-off begins Ireland’s 2026/27 campaign and gives supporters an early chance to see how the team has developed since last season’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Here is everything fans need to know before heading to the stadium or watching from home.
Ireland v USA: Key Match Details
- Fixture: Ireland v USA
- Competition: Vodafone Ireland WXV Series
- Venue: Tallaght Stadium
- Date: Sunday, 20 September
- Kick-off: 1.45pm
- Broadcast: TG4 Player and the TG4 YouTube channel
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, particularly those attending their first Ireland women’s Test. Stadium gates open at 12.45pm, while both teams are scheduled to begin their warm-ups at 1pm.
Fans should aim to be in their seats by 1.30pm for the national anthems, which will be performed by Jennifer Dalton.
Team News and Broadcast Information
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand will name his match-day 23 on Friday at 12pm. The team announcement will be shared through the Irish Rugby social media channels, giving supporters the first look at the side selected to face the USA.
For those unable to attend, the match will be available live through the TG4 Player and TG4’s YouTube channel. That means supporters across Ireland can follow the opening fixture from home, wherever they are.
Tickets, Travel and Parking at Tallaght Stadium
Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at €6 for children and €22.95 for adults. Families and groups planning to attend should arrange tickets in advance and allow extra time for their journey.
Parking is available at the nearby Square Tallaght. Supporters are advised to plan their route before match day and leave plenty of time for arrival, stadium entry and finding their seats.
Bus parking is also available, but it must be booked in advance and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups seeking a bus space should contact tickets@irishrugby.ie.
Match-day schedule
- 12.45pm: Stadium gates open
- 1pm: Team warm-ups begin
- 1.30pm: Supporters should be seated for the national anthems
- 1.45pm: Ireland v USA kicks off
A Welcoming Day for Every Supporter
The IRFU Accessibility Team will be available throughout the day to assist supporters who require help. Staff members can provide guidance and support inside Tallaght Stadium.
Family facilities include baby-changing areas in the North, West and South Stands. Breastfeeding spaces are available in the North and South Stands, with staff on hand to direct visitors.
Supporters bringing a buggy or pram should use Gate 4 in the West Stand, where it can be stored safely during the match.
A dedicated sensory space is located in the south-east corner of the stadium. The low-stimulation room includes noise-reducing headphones and soft furnishings, offering a quieter environment for anyone who needs a break from the crowd, noise or stadium lighting.
Food, Community Rugby and Half-Time Action
Food and drink concessions will operate in the north-west and south-west corners of the stadium. Hot food, confectionery and coffee will be available for supporters.
The match will also highlight the wider rugby community. Ireland’s players will be welcomed onto the pitch by flag bearers representing Old Point, the Old Wesley and Seapoint amalgamation, along with Kilkenny.
Half-time entertainment will feature mini rugby matches involving two St Mary’s teams, Terenure and Mullingar. The programme ensures the day is about more than the senior international, with young players and grassroots clubs taking centre stage inside Tallaght Stadium.
Read more: Ireland sports fixtures and rugby updates from Daily Digest
What to Watch When Ireland Face the USA
Ireland will be looking to carry momentum from the previous season into a new campaign, while the home setting should add extra energy to the occasion. The first Test at Tallaght Stadium is also an important moment for the growth of women’s rugby and the connection between the national team and local clubs.
For supporters, the key priorities are simple: plan the journey, arrive early, check the team announcement and be ready to support Ireland from the opening whistle. The next step for Bemand’s squad begins at 1.45pm, with the USA providing a demanding test at the start of the WXV Series.
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Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
