Ireland national rugby union team
Ireland represent both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They play their home games at Lansdowne Road in Dublin but in the past they have played home games in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At one time a rival 'North of Ireland' Union existed but thankfully the two different unions managed to resolve their differences and merge.
The national anthem of the Republic of Ireland, Amhrán na bhFiann, is played only for games played in the Republic of Ireland; the neutral Ireland's Call is always used either alongside or instead of the national anthem.
Although the Irish Rugby Football Union was not formed until 1874 club rugby had been played in the country for many years before that. Trinity College Dublin claims to be one of the oldest clubs in Ireland, having been formed in 1854.
Ireland played their first test match against England at the Oval in 1875, but it was not until 1881 that they first won a test, against Scotland at Ormeau in Belfast.
At international level Ireland have always been inconsistent. Grand Slam winners only once – in 1948 – they have won the 'Triple Crown' six occasions, the last being in 1985. However they have finished bottom of the Championship table on 30 occasions. They have also failed to get past the quarter finals at any of the four World Cups. Despite this they have some magnificent individual players with Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride and Fergus Slattery all winning over sixty International caps.
Ireland play in the Six Nations Championship, and in recent years have been the strongest of the Celtic nations. They were the first team to beat the 2003 World Champions England.
Famous players
See also
