IRELAND’S WORLD CUP preparations will step up a gear with four Test matches in November, including a debut appearance for the USA Eagles at the Aviva Stadium, the IRFU has confirmed.

Ireland played USA in New Jersey last summer. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Joe Schmidt’s side will begin their Autumn schedule against Italy in Soldier Field in Chicago, before returning to Dublin for home fixtures against Argentina, New Zealand and USA.

It was confirmed last month that Ireland would return to Soldier Field on Saturday 3 November, the scene of that indelible win over the All Blacks in 2016, and the three games at the Aviva Stadium will serve as valuable stepping stones towards next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Argentina are back in Dublin after their 29-18 defeat last November on Saturday 10 November at 6.30pm, before the All Blacks feature in the second game of the Guinness series on Saturday 17 November at 7pm.

Finally, the USA — who last week defeated Scotland for their first major victory over a Tier 1 nation — visit the Aviva for the first time having last played in Dublin in 2004 on Saturday 24 November at 6.30pm.

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Tickets for Ireland’s clash with Conor O’Shea’s Italy in Chicago are available here, while tickets for the home games will go on general sale through the Ticketmaster website on Friday 29 June at 10am.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Argentina, New Zealand and the USA to Aviva Stadium this November,” IRFU commercial and marketing director, Padraig Power, said.

Tickets for the home games go on sale next week. Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“Demand for tickets from rugby clubs has been exceptionally high and we expect the remaining tickets that go on general sale to be snapped up. We know that Ireland fans will relish the opportunity to see the team in action and we look forward to some great games in November.”

Ireland’s November fixtures:

Ireland v Italy, 3 November, Soldier Field, TBC

Ireland v Argentina, 10 November, Aviva Stadium, 6.30pm

Ireland v New Zealand, 17 November, Aviva Stadium, 7pm

Ireland v USA, 24 November, Aviva Stadium, 6.30pm

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