Ulster’s Mark Sexton to Lead Ireland XV

Ulster Rugby Attack Coach Mark Sexton has been appointed Head Coach of Ireland XV for the 2026/27 season, leading the side across three fixtures. The campaign begins against Fiji 'A' at Virgin Media Park in Cork on 20 November, followed by a match against Chile at Queen's University in Belfast on 12 February, and concludes against England 'A' at Sandy Park in Exeter on 20 February. Sexton will be supported by assistants Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne, and Seamus Toomey as the Ireland XV programme continues its role in developing emerging talent.