Ulster's Mark Sexton named Ireland XV head coach for three 2026/27 fixtures

Ulster attack coach Mark Sexton has been appointed head coach of Ireland XV for three fixtures in the 2026/27 season, the IRFU confirmed. Sexton will be supported by assistants Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne, and Seamus Toomey.

Ireland’s second team open their schedule against Fiji A at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Friday, 20 November, before hosting Chile at Queen’s University in Belfast on Friday, 12 February. The programme concludes with a trip to Sandy Park in Exeter to face England A on Saturday, 20 February — a fixture that falls within the Six Nations window.

The Cork fixture against Fiji A will form part of a double-header, with Ireland U20s meeting Scotland in a friendly ahead of the senior clash.

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys underlined the programme’s role in the national development structure. “The Ireland XV programme is an important part of our player development pathway, providing players of national interest with the opportunity to experience the standards, expectations and environment of the senior international set-up,” he said.

“These fixtures help bridge the gap between provincial rugby and the senior international squad, allowing players to test themselves against quality opposition while gaining valuable experience in a national team environment. They also give us an opportunity to assess players, build relationships and develop greater depth across the player pool.”

Humphreys added that matches against sides such as Fiji A serve a specific purpose in stress-testing players in different ways, helping to ensure Ireland maintain a strong pool capable of competing at international level.