Ireland, the XV of the Shamrock
Our Ireland page brings together the long-sleeved Classic home shirt and the Ireland rugby team polo, telling the story of the XV of the Shamrock: a federation that has united both sides of the border since 1879, four provinces that have become European strongholds, Lansdowne Road and the great victories against the All Blacks.
The green of the Shamrock, across the whole island.
A federation for the whole island since 1879
The Irish Rugby Football Union was formed in 1879 from the merger of two federations, one based in Dublin and the other in Belfast, and has never been divided since, despite the partition of the island in 1921. Therefore, the XV of the Shamrock includes players from both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Its foundation consists of the four provinces: Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht, whose combined crests form the federation's flag; it directly manages the contracts of the internationals, which helps to manage their playing time. Ireland's first test match dates back to 1875, against England, at the Kennington Oval in London.
The other nations
The nations of the Tournament are also represented:
All the nations are gathered on the VI Nations page.
From Lansdowne Road to Chicago: the key dates
Ireland plays in Dublin at the site of Lansdowne Road, which has hosted international matches since 1878 and where the Aviva Stadium, around fifty-one thousand seats, has stood since 2010. Its Grand Slams mark the history of the Tournament: 1948, led by Jack Kyle, 2009 with Brian O'Driscoll, then 2018 and 2023. On November 5, 2016, in Chicago, the XV of the Shamrock beat New Zealand for the first time, forty points to twenty-nine, before winning in 2022 its first series of test matches on New Zealand soil.
Classic long sleeve jersey or polo: wear the green
The Classic long sleeve home jersey is inspired by the look of jerseys from before professionalism: its deep green and its shamrock on the heart make it a supportive piece that can also be worn on the crisp November evenings during autumn tests. The polo of the Irish team, lighter and with a buttoned collar, displays the colours discreetly, in the stadium as well as in everyday life. For the jersey, a fit close to the body is chosen in your usual size; to wear it over another layer, take one size up.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a consistent order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Ireland sing two anthems?
In Dublin, the anthem of the Republic, Amhrán na bhFiann, precedes Ireland's Call, written in 1995 by Phil Coulter to unite players from North and South. Abroad, only Ireland's Call is played before kick-off.
Who holds the records for the Irish team?
In 2023, fly-half Johnny Sexton surpassed Ronan O'Gara to become the highest points scorer in the history of the XV of the Shamrock. Centre Brian O'Driscoll, retired in 2014, scored forty-six tries in the green jersey.
Why does the shamrock adorn the Irish jersey?
A symbol of the island associated with saint Patrick, the shamrock does not belong to either state. It is therefore appropriate for a team that represents both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
What do Irish supporters sing in the stands?
The Fields of Athenry, a ballad composed in 1979 about the Great Famine of the nineteenth century, has become the unofficial anthem of the Irish stands. It resonates in the Aviva Stadium during the key moments of the match.
How to care for a long sleeve rugby jersey?
Wash it inside out at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, to preserve the shamrock and logos. It should be dried flat or on a hanger, away from a radiator, to prevent the sleeves from losing their shape.
