The Ireland Wolfhounds (variously branded as Ireland Wolfhounds, Ireland A, Ireland B and Ireland XV) are the second national rugby union team of Ireland, behind the Ireland national team.
Contents
History
The Wolfounds previously competed in the Churchill Cup together with the England Saxons, the national teams of Canada and the United States, as well as a selection of other nations' 1st, 2nd and 3rd representative sides (including Scotland A and the New Zealand Māori). They also played against other Six Nations countries' A sides during the Six Nations. They have intermittently played touring sides, namely South Africa in 2000, the All Blacks in 2001 and Australia in 2006. On the 21 June 2009, Ireland A won their first Churchill Cup, beating the England Saxons 49–22 in the final. They also won the Churchill Plate three times in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Initially named Ireland B, the side was redesignated to Ireland A from the 1992–1993 season. They were once again renamed the Ireland Wolfhounds in January 2010. This name was inspired by a nomadic invitational side, which competed between 1956 and 1987 against other club sides throughout Ireland. The Wolfhounds have not competed in a competition since the IRFU declined to compete in the 2016 Tbilisi Cup. Ireland A played their first match in over seven years against the All Blacks XV in November 2022 at the RDS losing 19–47.
Squad
On 21 January, Ireland named their 'XV' squad for their match against England 'A' on 6 February 2026.
Billy Bohan and Jude Postlethwaite were originally named in the squad, but were subsequently called up to Ireland's full Six Nations squad.
The number of caps in the table below represents caps earned for the senior Ireland national team.
Head Coach: Cullie Tucker
Home record
Above is the Ireland Wolfhound's home record in each stadium. Up to date as of 7 February 2026.
Statistics
Overall
The above is a list of the Ireland Wolfhounds' head-to-head record against international first and second sides, non-national representative sides such as the New Zealand Māori, as well as some club sides. Up to date as of last match: Ireland XV 14–52 England XV on 7 February 2026.
Honours
Six Nations A Championship
Winners: 1 (2002)
Six Nations A Triple Crown
Winners: 2 (2000, 2002)
Churchill Cup
Winners: 1 (2009)
Churchill Plate
Winners: 3 (2006, 2007, 2008)
Melrose Sevens
Winners: 1 (1991)