Ireland to face All Blacks at Eden Park next summer

Ireland will take on New Zealand in a major summer Test match at Eden Park on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The fixture forms part of New Zealand’s home Test window in the build-up to the new Nations Championship structure.

The All Blacks’ July schedule begins with France in Christchurch on 4 July, followed by Italy in Wellington on 11 July. Ireland will be the third northern opponent, travelling to Auckland for a highly anticipated meeting at Eden Park.

This will be Ireland’s fourth visit to the venue. They have never won at Eden Park, where New Zealand hold a long unbeaten run stretching back decades.

Ireland will hope to replicate the spirit of their historic 2016 win in Chicago, even as the challenge on New Zealand soil remains formidable.

Head coach Scott Robertson said the team are looking forward to hosting three northern nations in consecutive weeks and described the home fixtures as an exciting start to their 2026 campaign.

"Playing at home will always be special to the All Blacks and to host three Northern Hemisphere nations in consecutive weeks is a great start to our 2026 campaign and a challenge we will embrace.

"It will be an historic occasion for Christchurch at the new stadium.

"We know Italy will be highly motivated as we start the Nations Championship and, as always, we will walk toward the challenge of defending our record at Eden Park against Ireland and Australia."