Ireland women’s rugby is heading back to the Aviva Stadium for a fixture that could become one of the biggest days in the team’s recent history. England will visit Dublin on Saturday, 8 May 2027, and Dannah O’Brien believes the occasion can help drive the continued growth of women’s rugby in Ireland.
Aviva return gives Ireland Women a major stage
The Ireland v England clash will form part of the penultimate round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, with kick-off scheduled for 2.45pm. Early interest in tickets has already been strong, reflecting the rising demand for Ireland sports events involving the women’s team.
Ireland last played a standalone Women’s Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium when Scotland were beaten 54-5 on the final day of last season’s championship. A record crowd of 31,294 attended that fixture, creating a memorable atmosphere and setting a clear target for the return against the world champions.
With England expected to bring significant travelling support, the IRFU will hope the match can move Ireland women’s rugby even closer to a full house at the home of Irish Rugby.
O’Brien eager for another big Dublin occasion
O’Brien played a key role in the win over Scotland, converting seven of her eight attempts and helping Ireland produce a powerful first-half performance. The Tullow native has also experienced major crowds during the Rugby World Cup and in recent meetings with England at Twickenham.
For the young out-half, returning to the Aviva is about more than a single fixture. It is another sign that Ireland women’s rugby is earning regular access to the country’s biggest sporting venues.
“It is great that we are building crowds and hopefully we can sell out the Aviva soon,” O’Brien said. “We are really happy to be playing big fixtures like those on a regular basis.”
Growing crowds underline the rise of women’s rugby
The attendance at the Scotland match represented a dramatic increase from the standalone home Tests staged during the 2019 Six Nations. Since then, the women’s game has attracted larger audiences across Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.
England’s recent home crowds have reached remarkable levels, while Ireland’s own figures have continued to climb. The wider Women’s Six Nations also set a cumulative attendance record of 194,466 after only three rounds of last season’s tournament.
- Ireland’s Scotland match at the Aviva drew 31,294 supporters.
- Galway’s meeting with Italy attracted 9,206 people, then a new record for an Ireland Women home fixture.
- Matches at national stadiums are becoming increasingly common across the women’s game.
The IRFU’s women’s strategy has included taking the team to venues across all four provinces. That approach has helped supporters outside Dublin connect with the side, while also creating a stronger national profile for Irish rugby.
Galway will host France after Murrayfield opener
Ireland’s 2027 championship campaign will begin away to Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. The team will then return home to Galway to face France on 17 April, a fixture expected to attract substantial demand after the success of recent matches at Dexcom Stadium.
Ireland defeated Italy 57-20 in Galway before overcoming Japan 31-24, with Béibhinn Parsons scoring five tries across the two games. The province has quickly become an important part of the team’s home schedule, and another strong crowd would underline the appetite for high-level women’s sport outside the capital.
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Japan rematch is the immediate priority
Despite the excitement surrounding the 2027 Six Nations, Ireland’s short-term focus remains on Japan. The teams will meet again at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday, with the match due to begin at 2pm and available to watch on IrishRugby+.
Ireland secured victory in the previous meeting, but head coach Scott Bemand is expected to continue assessing his squad. Jemima Adams Verling and Beth Buttimer have both made their debuts in recent weeks, adding fresh competition and experience to the group.
O’Brien wants Ireland to improve their performance after a difficult opening against the United States and a more encouraging result against Japan. The short six-day turnaround means preparation has been compressed, although facing the same opponent again gives Ireland a clear idea of where improvements are needed.
The Cork Test also offers an opportunity to build momentum before the squad’s tour to South Africa, which will provide another demanding examination of Ireland’s progress.
What to watch next for Ireland Women
The Aviva Stadium announcement is a significant moment, but the team’s development will be judged through performances as well as attendances. Consistent results, stronger provincial support and more sell-out occasions would give Ireland women’s rugby a firm platform heading towards the next World Cup cycle.
For now, the next test comes in Cork against Japan. A second win would strengthen Ireland’s momentum and give Bemand’s side an ideal platform before travelling to South Africa. The longer-term prize is clear: turn major occasions into a regular part of the Ireland women’s rugby calendar.
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Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
