Ireland and Australia Celebrate Enduring Ties Ahead of Nations Championship

On Friday 3 July, the Embassy of Ireland in Australia and the Consulate General of Ireland in Sydney hosted a reception at the InterContinental Sydney ahead of the opening Nations Championship match between Ireland and Australia at Allianz Stadium.

Held in partnership with Stripe, the reception brought together guests from government, business, sport and the wider Irish community, reflecting the longstanding friendship and close links between Ireland and Australia.

Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, Her Excellency Fiona Flood, and Consul General of Ireland in Sydney, Lorraine Christian, welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell, Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss, Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Phil Waugh and IRFU National Team Manager Michael Kearney.

The reception was honoured by the attendance of the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, who attended as Guest of Honour and Patron of Rugby Australia. Other distinguished guests included the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Attorney General of New South Wales, the Hon. Michael Daley MP and Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon. Nita Green.

In her remarks, the Governor-General reflected on the longstanding relationship between Ireland and Australia, Ireland’s contribution to Australia’s history and society, and the role of sport in bringing people and communities together. Ambassador Flood welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the close partnership between the two countries and thanked those whose support helped make the evening possible.

Following this, IRFU National Team Manager Michael Kearney presented Ambassador Flood with a jersey in recognition of the warm welcome extended to the Ireland team during their visit to Australia.

Ireland went on to defeat the Wallabies 33-31 in a thrilling Nations Championship opener the following evening, rounding off a memorable weekend.