Ulster's Mark Sexton to lead Ireland XV
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Sexton to lead Ireland XV in three fixtures.
Ulster Rugby’s Attack Coach Mark Sexton has been appointed Head Coach of Ireland XV for the 2026/27 season, with the national development side set to face Chile at Queen’s University in Belfast on Friday, 12 February.
Sexton will lead Ireland XV across three fixtures during the campaign, beginning with a clash against Fiji ‘A’ at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Friday, 20 November, before the Belfast fixture and a meeting with England ‘A’ at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday, 20 February.
He will be assisted by Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne and Seamus Toomey as Ireland XV continues to play an important role in developing emerging talent and providing players of national interest with valuable experience in a senior international environment.
Developing Ireland’s Next Generation
The Ireland XV programme provides a bridge between provincial rugby and the senior international squad, giving players the opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition while gaining experience of the standards and expectations of the national set-up.
Commenting on the fixtures, IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: “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.
“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.”
Ireland XV Fixtures for 2026/27
- Ireland XV v Fiji ‘A’ – Friday, 20 November, Virgin Media Park, Cork (7.45pm)
- Ireland XV v Chile – Friday, 12 February, Queen’s University, Belfast
- England ‘A’ v Ireland XV – Saturday, 20 February, Sandy Park, Exeter
November’s opening fixture against Fiji ‘A’ will form part of a double-header at Virgin Media Park, with Ireland U20s, sponsored by PwC, facing Scotland in an uncapped match at 5pm.
