Ireland will return to Chicago’s Soldier Field in November for ‘The Rugby Weekend’

Ireland will return to Chicago's Soldier Field in November as part of a triple header featuring the Maori All Blacks and Women's Rugby World Cup Champions the Black Ferns.

Ireland will play Italy at the Chicago Bears home on the 3rd of November, the same day that the USA Men's and Women's Eagles teams will take on the Maori All Blacks and the Black Ferns. Speaking about the trip, IRFU Director of Commercial & Marketing Padraig Power said: "Irish Rugby is delighted to be returning to Chicago. In 2016 the Ireland team experienced tremendous support and made history in a week that also witnessed the Cubs celebrating their own piece of history on the streets of Chicago. "We are looking forward to an exciting match against Italy who are a well-coached and dangerous team." Ireland will first head to Australia this summer for a three-test series against the Wallabies. Joe Schmidt's side last toured the country in 2010 and have won three of their last four matches against the 2015 Rugby World Cup finalists. When Ireland return from Chicago they will play Argentina, New Zealand and the United States at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.