IRFU reveal ticket prices for autumn internationals

The IRFU has announced the ticket prices and packages for the upcoming autumn Guinness-sponsored international series when Samoa, Australia and New Zealand visit the Aviva stadium.

Les Kiss is interim coach for Ireland's tour of North America next month where they'll play tests against the USA and Canada, so Joe Schmidt's first official game in charge will be the Samoa match at the Aviva stadium on November 9th.

Ireland will host the Wallabies on Saturday, November 16th with their final outing a game against the All Blacks eight days later. The union also confirmed a pre-sale of tickets to Ireland Supporters' club members that will open next Thursday.

The IRFU has learned a lesson from the pricing fiasco that surrounded the 2010 November test series, coincidentally the last occasion that Ireland played the All Blacks in Dublin. The national side played four matches, against South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Samoa in 2010.

The union who had initially linked the series into packages were forced to uncouple the matches following a public backlash to the announcement. A Premium ticket for the New Zealand game three years ago was €125, whereas next November it will cost €95. A Category 1 stand ticket for the All Blacks match has dropped by €25, from €100 to €75.

Supporters may also avail of three or two game packages at discounted prices. A Premium level seat at the Aviva for the three matches will cost €176, a reduction of 20 per cent on the face value of the tickets in the package. Schoolboy/girl tickets are reduced from a whopping €40 in 2010 for the matches involving New Zealand and South Africa to a more reasonable €10 for all three games in November.

The cheapest ticket on offer is €7.50 for a restricted view Category 4 stand ticket for Ireland’s clash with Samoa, Schmidt’s first game at the helm. The union offered a gentle reminder that it will be Brian O’Driscoll’s last November series and a final opportunity for a landmark that has not only eluded him but the national side; namely a victory over the All Blacks.