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Virgin Media Ireland ‘delighted to announce’ welcome addition to summer TV schedule that’ll please rugby fans

VIRGIIN MEDIA TV has confirmed it will broadcast both of Ireland’s summer rugby tour matches against Georgia and Portugal.

Fans will be able to tune in live via Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player online.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Ireland rugby coach instructing players during training
Paul O’Connell leads Ireland on their summer tour with the games live on Virgin Media
British and Irish Lions' coach Andy Farrell signs autographs for a fan upon his arrival at the Perth International Airport on June 22, 2025, ahead of the team's rugby match against Western Force. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
O’Connell takes the reigns as Andy Farrell is leading the Lions for the summer in Australia

Ireland’s senior men’s team will play back-to-back Summer Tour fixtures this July under interim head coach Paul O’Connell, taking on Georgia and Portugal.

The tour begins on July 5th in Tbilisi against Georgia, who are currently ranked 11th in the World Rugby Rankings.

A week later, Ireland will head to Lisbon to face Portugal on July 12th at the historic Estádio Nacional do Jamor.

Munster legend O’Connell takes charge of the side as Andy Farrell is tied up with the Lions on the Tour of Australia.

The Irish broadcaster released a statement on Tuesday afternoon as they confirmed details of the deal.

It read: “Virgin Media Television is delighted to announce it will broadcast both of Ireland’s summer tour fixtures against Georgia and Portugal on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.”

The tour is aimed at developing younger and fringe players with 15 of Ireland’s senior squad competing on the Lions tour in Australia.

IRELAND SQUAD

Forwards (17) *- Denotes Uncapped Player

  • Tom Ahern (Munster)*
  • Ryan Baird (Leinster)(27)
  • Jack Boyle (Leinster)(2)
  • Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)(6)
  • Gavin Coombes (Munster)(2)
  • Max Deegan (Leinster)(2)
  • Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster)(1)
  • Alex Kendellen (Munster)*
  • Gus McCarthy (Leinster)(4)
  • Paddy McCarthy (Leinster)*
  • Michael Milne (Munster)*
  • Darragh Murray (Connacht)*
  • Tom O’Toole (Ulster)(16)
  • Cian Prendergast (Connacht)(4)
  • Stephen Smyth (Leinster)*
  • Tom Stewart (Ulster)(2)
  • Nick Timoney (Ulster)(3)

Backs (14)

  • Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*
  • Craig Casey (Munster)(captain)(18)
  • Jack Crowley (Munster)(24)
  • Nathan Doak (Ulster)*
  • Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)(8)
  • Hugh Gavin (Connacht)*
  • Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)(19)
  • Ben Murphy (Connacht)*
  • Calvin Nash (Munster)(10)
  • Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster)(8)
  • Tommy O’Brien (Leinster)*
  • Jamie Osborne (Leinster)(7)
  • Sam Prendergast (Leinster)(8)
  • Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)(38)

Training Panelists

  • James McNabney (Ulster)*
  • Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster)*
  • Zac Ward (Ulster)*

IRELAND TOUR FIXTURES

Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time)

Tickets are available now from the Georgian Rugby Union – here.

Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon.

Tickets on sale on May 30th from 7pm Portugal time from https://smartfan.tickets/

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