Overview
- Organisers confirmed McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle will host Japan versus Ireland in the Nations Championship on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as a neutral Test in Australia.
- Eddie Jones said playing in Newcastle helps his young squad learn the venue where they open their 2027 World Cup against Samoa.
- The match sits in Ireland’s southern swing that starts against Australia in Sydney on July 4 and ends against New Zealand in Auckland on July 18.
- It anchors a packed Test day in the region, following All Blacks–Italy in Wellington and Wallabies–France in Brisbane, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. AEST.
- The teams have met 11 times with Ireland winning all but Japan’s 2019 World Cup upset, and Irish officials expect strong expat support in Newcastle.