Australia and Ireland renew their rivalry as familiar foes meet again in Sydney.
Ireland thrashed Australia in the pair’s last meeting in Dublin in November and will be seeking a strong start to their Nations Championship campaign with games against Japan and New Zealand to come. For Andy Farrell, this game marks a return Down Under 12 months on from masterminding a British and Irish Lions series win over the Wallabies, and another chance to get one over his former boss as Joe Schmidt prepares to say goodbye to Australia.
Schmidt, who spent six years in charge of Ireland earlier in his career, is preparing to hand over to Les Kiss later in the year. There is a crucial period ahead as Australia gear up for a home World Cup in 2027 and a success here at a sold-out Allianz Stadium would be a significant boost ahead of the tournament.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Australia vs Ireland LIVE
- Australia host Ireland in Sydney | Live on ITV with kick off at 11.10am BST
- Fixture serves as part of new Nations Championship
- Andy Farrell's side also take on Japan and New Zealand this July
- TEAM NEWS: Sam Prendergast starts at fly half
A new contract for Andy Farrell
09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is Andy Farrell’s first game with Ireland since putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay through to the 2031 World Cup. With significant interest elsewhere, it’s a good bit of business from the IRFU to tie the head coach down:
Andy Farrell commits future to Ireland with long-term contract extension
What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition
09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Designed to add context to the July and November international windows, rugby’s new Nations Championship is a significant development for the sport. Here is everything you need to know:
What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition
Australia's Nations Championship schedule
09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Australia vs France (11.10am BST, Brisbane)
Saturday 18 July: Australia vs Italy (11.10am BST, Perth)
Nations Championship schedule, kick-off times and how to watch
Ireland's Nations Championship schedule
09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (10.45am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Japan vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Newcastle, Australia)
Saturday 18 July: New Zealand vs Ireland (8.10am BST, Auckland)
Dan Sheehan ready after answering captaincy call
08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dan Sheehan admitted getting the call to captain Ireland in their upcoming Nations Championship series “didn’t faze” him.
The 27-year-old hooker will skipper the team on their three-match tour – which starts against Australia today – after Caelan Doris was ruled out with a foot injury.
Sheehan revealed the call came during celebrations in the days after Leinster’s 36-7 United Rugby Championship final triumph over Pretoria Bulls last month.
He told reporters: “It hasn’t been too daunting. I remember getting the call on day two of celebrations of the URC and it didn’t faze me at all. I was sort of more just disappointed for Caelan at the time.
“We have a great group of leaders already in this squad so I think it’s just a good chance for me to develop my own personal skills but also get a grip of the squad in a full month on tour, which has been nice.
“I think the prep has been good, I’ve enjoyed the build-up to it, I think everyone’s raring to go. Nice Saturday evening kick-off, hopefully a lot of Irish in town. A lot to be excited for.”
Sam Prendergast gets fly half nod in Ireland team for Nations Championship clash with Australia
08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has backed Sam Prendergast to shine in Sydney after installing the young playmaker at No 10 for the clash with Australia rugby.
Prendergast was dropped from Farrell’s side after two rounds of the Six Nations with Jack Crowley preferred and orchestrating a turnaround in the side’s fortunes.
But with the Munster fly half absent for the start of the inaugural Nations Championship, Prendergast has been recalled to partner Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park in the halves.
Prendergast gets fly half nod in Ireland team for clash with Australia
Australia vs Ireland
Friday 3 July 2026 15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Familiar foes will clash again as Australia and Ireland meet in Sydney. For Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt, this game against his former assistant Andy Farrell marks the start of a farewell tour before he hands over the reins to Les Kiss ahead of a home World Cup – can the hosts secure a significant success to kickstart the road to 2027?
Kick off is at 11.10am BST.
