# Ireland at the Rugby World Cup

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The Ireland national rugby union team have played in all ten Rugby World Cup tournaments. They have reached the quarter-finals at all but two tournaments, but have yet to progress to the semi-finals. They have finished top of their pool on three occasions.
Ireland has competed at every Rugby World Cup since the tournament was first held in Australia and New Zealand in 1987.

## Summary

After a loss to Wales, Ireland finished second in their pool in 1987 but were then knocked out by Australia in their quarter final in Sydney.
In 1991 Ireland again lost only the one match in pool play (to Scotland). They again met the Australians in the quarter-finals, who defeated them by one point. Runner-up in their pool in 1995 to New Zealand, Ireland were defeated by France in their quarter-final in Durban.
Ireland finished second in their pool in 1999, behind Australia and went into the quarter-final play-offs (a system exclusive to the 1999 tournament). There they lost to Argentina, and thus, not being quarter-finalists, they were not given automatic entry into 2003.
They defeated Russia and Georgia to go through the 2003 World Cup as Europe 1. They finished second to Australia in their pool, and were knocked out by France in the quarter finals.
They started in the so-called "Group of death" with hosts France, Argentina, Namibia and Georgia in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They played Namibia (the lowest ranked team in the World cup) in their opening game on 9 September which resulted in a narrow 32–17 win. Their progress was then put into doubt when they beat Georgia 14–10, not obtaining a bonus point. France's victory over Namibia 87–10 put Ireland's progression from the group in doubt, and this was compounded when the French defeated Ireland 25–3. Entering their last group match against Argentina, needing four tries to secure a bonus point without allowing Argentina anything, Ireland were defeated by 30 points to 15 and crashed out at the pool stage for the first time.
Ireland began their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign on the back of four defeats in a series of warm-up tests in August, with a 22–10 victory over the United States in New Plymouth on 11 September. Failing to secure a bonus point against world cup minnows the United States, a team ranked far below Ireland, this was an unconvincing win. Contrary to preceding form, and indeed beating most commentators expectations, Ireland produced a memorable performance to defeat reigning tri-nations champions Australia 15–6 in their second pool game in Eden Park in Auckland on 17 September. This was the first Irish win against tri-nations opposition in the southern hemisphere in 32 years. It was also Ireland's first ever win against Australia in the Rugby World Cup. After comprehensive wins against Russia and Italy in the final two pool-stage matches, Ireland topped Pool C. This was the first ever time Ireland came first in a world cup pool. Ireland advanced to the quarter-finals to face Wales in Wellington. They were defeated 22–10 by the Welsh, thus ending their 2011 campaign.
Ireland topped Pool D of the 2015 Rugby World Cup with four victories and with two bonus points. Ireland beat Canada and Romania with bonus points in their first two games. Ireland then faced Italy, coming out on top 16–9, the only try coming from Keith Earls who surpassed Brian O'Driscoll as Ireland's leading Rugby World Cup try scorer with eight. The final pool game saw Ireland face France. The winner would set up a quarter final against Argentina and avoid the All Blacks. Ireland overcame the loss to injury of key players Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony and Paul O'Connell to run out 24–9 winners. The victory set up another game for Ireland in the Millennium Stadium against Pool C runners up Argentina on 18 October 2015. Ireland battled and came back from a 17-point deficit to come within 3 points of their opponents, but eventually lost 43–20.
At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Ireland began with a 27–3 win against Scotland on 22 September before losing to Japan a week later 19–12 in the Shizuoka Stadium. Wins over Russia by 35-0 and Samoa by 47-5 set up a quarter-final against New Zealand on 19 October. In Joe Schmidt's last game in charge, New Zealand won easily by 46–14 to eliminate Ireland from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage for the seventh time.
At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Ireland ranked 1st in the world opened their campaign with their biggest ever win at a Rugby World Cup beating Romania 82–8 in Pool B on 9 September. On 16 September they defeated Tonga 59–16, and a week later won against South Africa 13–8. Ireland went on to win their final pool match against Scotland 36–14 at Stade de France on 7 October and finished top of the pool. In the quarter-final's a week later they lost 24–28 to New Zealand at the Stade de France, and were knocked out of the tournament. It was the eighth time that Ireland have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage.

## By position

| Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Rugby World Cup record | Qualification | Qualification | Qualification | Qualification | Qualification | Qualification | Qualification |
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Squad | Head coach | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA |
| 1987 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 99 | 74 | Squad | M. Doyle | Invited | Invited | Invited | Invited | Invited | Invited | Invited |
| 1991 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 120 | 70 | Squad | C. Fitzgerald | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 1995 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 105 | 130 | Squad | G. Murphy | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 1999 | Quarter-finals play-off | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 124 | 73 | Squad | W. Gatland | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 123 | 35 |
| 2003 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 162 | 99 | Squad | E. O'Sullivan | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 98 | 17 |
| 2007 | Pool stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 82 | Squad | E. O'Sullivan | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 2011 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 145 | 56 | Squad | D. Kidney | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 2015 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 154 | 78 | Squad | J. Schmidt | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 2019 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 135 | 73 | Squad | J. Schmidt | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 2023 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 214 | 74 | Squad | A. Farrell | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| 2027 | | | | | | | | | | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified | Automatically qualified |
| Total | — | 45 | 28 | 0 | 17 | 1322 | 809 | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 221 | 52 |
* v
* t
* e

## Matches
### 1987 Rugby World Cup

Pool 2 matches –
| Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | Pts | Qualification |
| Wales | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 31 | +51 | 13 | 6 | Knockout stage |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 84 | 41 | +43 | 11 | 4 | Knockout stage |
| Canada | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 65 | 91 | −26 | 8 | 2 | |
| Tonga | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 98 | −68 | 3 | 0 | |
* 25 May 1987
| Ireland | 6–13 | Wales |
| Pen: Kiernan (2) | | Try: Ring Pen: Thorburn Drop: Davies (2) |
* Athletic Park, Wellington Attendance: 15,000 Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia)
* 30 May 1987
| Canada | 19–46 | Ireland |
| Try: Cardinal Pen: Rees (3) Wyatt Drop: Rees | | Try: Crossan (2) Bradley Spillane Ringland MacNeill Con: Kiernan (5) Pen: Kiernan (2) Drop: Ward Kiernan |
* Carisbrook, Dunedin Attendance: 9,000 Referee: Fred Howard (England)
* 3 June 1987
| Ireland | 32–9 | Tonga |
| Try: Mullin (3) MacNeill (2) Con: Ward (3) Pen: Ward (2) | | Pen: Amone (3) |
* Ballymore, Brisbane Attendance: 4,000 Referee: Guy Maurette (France)
Quarter-final
* 7 June 1987
| Australia | 33–15 | Ireland |
| Tries: Burke (2) McIntyre Smith Con: Lynagh (4) Pen: Lynagh (3) | Report | Tries: Lee Reynolds Kiernan Con: Kiernan (2) Pen: Kiernan |
* Concord Oval, Sydney Attendance: 14,356 Referee: Brian Anderson (Scotland)

### 1991 Rugby World Cup

Pool 2 matches –
| Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
| Scotland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 122 | 36 | +86 | 6 |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 102 | 51 | +51 | 4 |
| Japan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 77 | 87 | −10 | 2 |
| Zimbabwe | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 158 | −127 | 0 |
* 1991-10-06
| Ireland | 55–11 | Zimbabwe |
| Tries: Robinson (4), Popplewell (2), Geoghegan, Curtis Con: Keyes (4) Pen: Keyes (5) | Report | Tries: Dawson, Schultz Pen: Ferreira |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 40,000 Referee: Keith Lawrence (New Zealand)
* 1991-10-09
| Ireland | 32–16 | Japan |
| Tries: Mannion (2), O’Hara, Staples Con: Keyes (2) Pen: Keyes (4) | Report | Tries: Hayashi, Kajihara, Yoshida Con: Hosokawa (2) |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Laikini Colati (Fiji)
* 1991-10-12
| Scotland | 24–15 | Ireland |
| Tries: Shiel, Armstrong, S. Hastings Con: G. Hastings (2) Pen: G. Hastings (3) Drop: Chalmers | Report | Pen: Keyes (4) Drop: Keyes |
* Murrayfield, Edinburgh Attendance: 60,000 Referee: Fred Howard (England)
Quarter-final
* 20 October 1991
| Ireland | 18–19 | Australia |
| Tries: Hamilton Con: Keyes Pen: Keyes (3) Drop: Keyes | Report | Tries: Campese (2), Lynagh Con: Lynagh (2) Pen: Lynagh |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 54,500 Referee: Jim Fleming (Scotland)

### 1995 Rugby World Cup

Pool C matches –
| Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
| New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 222 | 45 | +177 | 9 |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 93 | 94 | −1 | 7 |
| Wales | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 89 | 68 | +21 | 5 |
| Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 55 | 252 | −197 | 3 |
* 1995-05-27
| Ireland | 19–43 | New Zealand |
| Tries: David Corkery, Denis McBride, Gary Halpin Con: Eric Elwood (2) | Report | Tries: Jonah Lomu (2), Josh Kronfeld, Frank Bunce, Glen Osborne Con: Andrew Mehrtens (3) Pen: Andrew Mehrtens (4) |
* Ellis Park, Johannesburg Attendance: 38 000 Referee: Wayne Erickson (Australia)
* 1995-05-31
| Ireland | 50–28 | Japan |
| Tries: Neil Francis, Simon Geoghegan, David Corkery, Eddie Halvey, Niall Hogan Con: Paul Burke (6) Pen: Paul Burke | Report | Tries: Sinali Latu, Ko Izawa, Seiji Hirao, Masanori Takura Con: Yoshihito Yoshida (4) |
* Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Attendance: 15 000 Referee: Stef Neethling (South Africa)
* 1995-06-04
| Ireland | 24–23 | Wales |
| Tries: Eddie Halvey, Nick Popplewell, Denis McBride Con: Eric Elwood (3) Pen: Eric Elwood | Report | Tries: Jonathan Humphreys, Hemi Taylor Con: Neil Jenkins (2) Pen: Neil Jenkins (2) Drop: Adrian Davies |
* Ellis Park, Johannesburg Attendance: 35 000 Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa)
Quarter finals –
* 1995-06-10
| France | 36–12 | Ireland |
| Tries: Philippe Saint-Andre, Émile Ntamack Con: Thierry Lacroix Pen: Thierry Lacroix (8) | Report | Pen: Eric Elwood (4) |
* Kings Park Stadium, Durban Attendance: 18 000 Referee: Ed Morrison (England)

### 1999 Rugby World Cup

Pool E matches –
| Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 135 | 31 | +104 | 9 |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 45 | +55 | 7 |
| Romania | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 50 | 126 | −76 | 5 |
| United States | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 52 | 135 | −83 | 3 |
* 1999-10-02
| Ireland | 53–8 | United States |
| Tries: Keith Wood (4), Brian O'Driscoll, Justin Bishop, Penalty try Con: David Humphreys (4) Eric Elwood (2) Pen: David Humphreys (2) | Report | Tries: Kevin Dalzell Pen: Kevin Dalzell |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Joel Dume (France)
* 1999-10-10
| Ireland | 3–23 | Australia |
| Pen: David Humphreys | Report | Tries: Ben Tune, Tim Horan Con: Matt Burke (2) Pen: Matt Burke (2), John Eales |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 49,250 Referee: Clayton Thomas (Wales)
* 1999-10-15
| Ireland | 44–14 | Romania |
| Tries: Conor O'Shea (2), Andrew Ward, Thomas Tierney, Dion O'Cuinneagain Con: Eric Elwood (5) Pen: Eric Elwood (2) Drop goals: Brian O'Driscoll | Report | Tries: Cristian Săuan Pen: Petre Mitu (3) |
* Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 33,000 Referee: Brain Campsell (England)
Quarter-final play off
* 1999-10-20
| Ireland | 24–28 | Argentina |
| Pen: David Humphreys (7) Drop: David Humphreys | Report | Tries: Diego Albanese Con: Gonzalo Quesada Pen: Gonzalo Quesada (7) |
* Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens Attendance: 22,000 Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

### 2003 Rugby World Cup

Group A matches –
| Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | BP | Pts | Qualification |
| Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 273 | 32 | +241 | 2 | 18 | Quarter-finals |
| Ireland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 141 | 56 | +85 | 3 | 15 | Quarter-finals |
| Argentina | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 140 | 57 | +83 | 3 | 11 | |
| Romania | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 65 | 192 | −127 | 1 | 5 | |
| Namibia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 28 | 310 | −282 | 0 | 0 | |
* 2003-10-11
| Ireland | 45–17 | Romania |
| Tries: S. Horgan, Wood, Hickie (2), Costello Con: Humphreys (3), O'Gara Pen: Humphreys (4) | Report | Tries: Penalty try, Maftei Con: Tofan, Vioreanu Pen: Tofan |
* Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford Attendance: 19,123 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 2003-10-19
| Ireland | 64–7 | Namibia |
| Tries: Quinlan (2), Dempsey, Hickie, Horan, Miller (2), G. Easterby, S. Horgan, Kelly Con: O'Gara (7) | Report | Tries: Powell Con: Wessels |
* Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 35,382 Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia)
* 2003-10-26
| Argentina | 15–16 | Ireland |
| Pen: Quesada (3) Drop: Quesada, Corleto | Report | Tries: Quinlan Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys, O'Gara (2) |
* Adelaide Oval Attendance: 30,203 Referee: André Watson (South Africa)
* 2003-11-01
| Australia | 17–16 | Ireland |
| Tries: Smith Pen: Flatley (3) Drop: Gregan | Report | Tries: O'Driscoll Con: O'Gara Pen: O'Gara (2) Drop: O'Driscoll |
* Telstra Dome, Melbourne Attendance: 54,206 Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand)
Quarter-finals
* 2003-11-09
| France | 43–21 | Ireland |
| Tries: Magne 3' c Dominici 29' c Harinordoquy 33' c Crenca 47' c Con: Michalak (4) Pen: Michalak (5) | Report | Tries: Maggs 52' c O'Driscoll (6) 65' c, 80+2' c Con: Humphreys (3) |
* Telstra Dome, Melbourne Attendance: 37,134 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

### 2007 Rugby World Cup

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | B | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Argentina | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 143 | 33 | +110 | 2 | 18 | Qualified for the quarter-finals |
| 2 | France | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 188 | 37 | +151 | 3 | 15 | Qualified for the quarter-finals |
| 3 | Ireland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 82 | −18 | 1 | 9 | Eliminated, automatic qualification for RWC 2011 |
| 4 | Georgia | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 50 | 111 | −61 | 1 | 5 | |
| 5 | Namibia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 212 | −182 | 0 | 0 | |
* 9 September 2007 20:00
| Ireland | 32–17 | Namibia |
| Tries: O'Driscoll 5' c Trimble 19' m Easterby 30' m Penalty try 49' c Flannery 76' m Con: O'Gara (2/5) Pen: O'Gara (1/1) 17' | Report | Tries: Nieuwenhuis 60' c Van Zyl 64' c Con: Wessels (2/2) Pen: Wessels (1/2) 40+' |
* Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux Attendance: 33,694 Referee: Joël Jutge (France)
* 15 September 2007 21:00
| Ireland | 14–10 | Georgia |
| Tries: R. Best 17' c Dempsey 55' c Con: O'Gara (2/2) | Report | Try: Shkinin 45' c Con: Kvirikashvili (1/1) Pen: Kvirikashvili (1/2) 37' |
* Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux Attendance: 33,807 Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
* 21 September 2007 21:00
| France | 25–3 | Ireland |
| Tries: Clerc (2) 59' m, 69' m Pen: Élissalde (5/6) 7', 18', 22', 40+', 55' | Report | Drop: O'Gara (1/1) 37' |
* Stade de France, Saint-Denis Attendance: 80,267 Referee: Chris White (England)
* 30 September 2007 17:00
| Ireland | 15–30 | Argentina |
| Tries: O'Driscoll 32' c Murphy 47' m Con: O'Gara (1/2) Pen: O'Gara (1/1) 20' | Report | Tries: Borges 17' m Agulla 39' c Con: F. Contepomi (1/2) Pen: F. Contepomi (3/4) 43', 62', 66' Drop: Hernández (3/5) 21', 36', 79' |
* Parc des Princes, Paris Attendance: 45,450 Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

### 2011 Rugby World Cup

Ireland qualified for the 2011 RWC automatically.
| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | B | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Ireland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 135 | 34 | +101 | 15 | 1 | 17 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | Australia | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 173 | 48 | +125 | 25 | 3 | 15 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup |
| 3 | Italy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 92 | 95 | −3 | 13 | 2 | 10 | Eliminated but qualified for 2015 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | United States | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 122 | −84 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
| 5 | Russia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 57 | 196 | −139 | 8 | 1 | 1 | |
* 11 September 2011 18:00
| Ireland | 22 – 10 | United States |
| Try: Bowe (2) 40' c, 60' c Best 56' m Con: Sexton (1/1) O'Gara (1/2) Pen: Sexton (1/5) 17' | Report | Try: Emerick 80+' c Con: Malifa (1/1) Pen: Paterson (1/2) 54' |
* Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth Attendance: 20,823 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
* 17 September 2011 20:30
| Australia | 6 – 15 | Ireland |
| Pen: O'Connor (2/4) 11', 23' | Report | Pen: Sexton (2/5) 17', 49' O'Gara (2/2) 62', 71' Drop: Sexton 19' |
* Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 58,678 Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
* 25 September 2011 18:00
| Ireland | 62 – 12 | Russia |
| Try: McFadden 10' c O'Brien 13' c Boss 38' c Earls(2) 39' c, 48' c Trimble 40+' m Kearney 65' c Jennings 73' c Buckley 79' m Con: O'Gara (6/7) Sexton (1/2) Pen: O'Gara (1/1) 6' | Report | Try: Artemyev 50' c Simplikevich 59' m Con: Rachkov (1/2) |
* Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Attendance: 25,661 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
* 2 October 2011 20:30
| Ireland | 36 – 6 | Italy |
| Try: O'Driscoll 47' c Earls (2) 52' c, 80+' c Con: O'Gara (2/2) Sexton (1/1) Pen: O'Gara (4/5) 7', 18', 35', 44' Sexton (1/1) 70' | Report | Pen: Mi. Bergamasco (2/3) 11', 21' |
* Otago Stadium, Dunedin Attendance: 28,027 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Quarter-finals
* 8 October 2011 18:00 NZDT (UTC+13)
| Ireland | 10 – 22 | Wales |
| Try: Earls 45' c Con: O'Gara (1/1) Pen: O'Gara (1/1) 24' | Report | Try: Williams 3' c Phillips 51' m J. Davies 64' c Con: Priestland (2/3) Pen: Halfpenny (1/1) 29' Priestland (0/2) |
* Westpac Stadium, Wellington Attendance: 35,787 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

### 2015 Rugby World Cup

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | B | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Ireland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 134 | 35 | +99 | 16 | 2 | 18 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | France | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 120 | 63 | +57 | 12 | 2 | 14 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup |
| 3 | Italy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 74 | 88 | −14 | 7 | 2 | 10 | Eliminated but qualified for 2019 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | Romania | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 60 | 129 | −69 | 7 | 0 | 4 | |
| 5 | Canada | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 58 | 131 | −73 | 7 | 2 | 2 | |
| 19 September 2015 | Ireland | 50–7 | Canada | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
| 27 September 2015 | Ireland | 44–10 | Romania | Wembley Stadium, London |
| 4 October 2015 | Ireland | 16–9 | Italy | Olympic Stadium, London |
| 11 October 2015 | France | 9–24 | Ireland | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
Quarter-finals
* 18 October 2015 13:00 BST (UTC+01)
| Ireland | 20–43 | Argentina |
| Try: Fitzgerald 26' c Murphy 44' c Con: Madigan (2/2) 27', 45' Pen: Madigan (2/4) 20', 53' | Report | Try: Moroni 3' c Imhoff (2) 10' c, 73' c Tuculet 69' c Con: Sánchez (4/4) 5', 10', 70', 74' Pen: Sánchez (5/6) 13', 22', 51', 64', 77' |
* Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 72,316 Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

### 2019 Rugby World Cup
#### Pool stage

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | B | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Japan | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 115 | 62 | +53 | 13 | 3 | 19 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | Ireland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 121 | 27 | +94 | 18 | 4 | 16 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup |
| 3 | Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 119 | 55 | +64 | 16 | 3 | 11 | Eliminated but qualified for 2023 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | Samoa | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 58 | 128 | −70 | 8 | 1 | 5 | |
| 5 | Russia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 19 | 160 | −141 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
* 22 September 2019 16:45 JST (UTC+09)
| (1 BP) Ireland | 27–3 | Scotland |
| Try: Ja. Ryan 6' c Best 14' m Furlong 25' c Conway 56' m Con: Sexton (1/2) 8' Murray (1/2) 27' Pen: Carty (1/1) 68' | Report | Pen: Laidlaw (1/1) 21' |
* International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama Attendance: 63,731 Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
* 28 September 2019 16:15 JST (UTC+09)
| Japan | 19–12 | Ireland (1 BP) |
| Try: Fukuoka 58' c Con: Tamura (1/1) 60' Pen: Tamura (4/6) 17', 33', 39', 71' | Report | Try: Ringrose 13' m Kearney 20' c Con: Carty (1/2) 21' |
* Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Fukuroi Attendance: 47,813 Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
* 3 October 2019 19:15 JST (UTC+09)
| (1 BP) Ireland | 35–0 | Russia |
| Try: Kearney 1' c O'Mahony 12' c Ruddock 34' c Conway 61' c Ringrose 75' c Con: Sexton (3/3) 3', 14', 36' Carty (2/2) 62', 76' | Report | |
* Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe Attendance: 26,856 Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
* 12 October 2019 19:45 JST (UTC+09)
| (1 BP) Ireland | 47–5 | Samoa |
| Try: Best 4' c Furlong 10' c Sexton (2) 21' c, 39' m Larmour 48' c Stander 65' c Conway 70' c Con: Sexton (4/5) 5', 11', 23', 50 Carbery (2/2) 67', 72' | Report | Try: J. Lam 26' m |
* Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka Attendance: 17,967 Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

#### Quarter-finals

* 19 October 2019 19:15 JST (UTC+09)
| New Zealand | 46–14 | Ireland |
| Try: A. Smith (2) 14' c, 20' c B. Barrett 32' Taylor 48' c Todd 61' Bridge 73' c J. Barrett 79' Con: Mo'unga (4/7) 15', 22', 49', 74' Pen: Mo'unga (1/1) 6' | Report | Try: Henshaw 69' Penalty try 76' Con: Carbery (1/1) 69' |
* Tokyo Stadium, Chōfu Attendance: 46,686 Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

### 2023 Rugby World Cup
#### Pool stage

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | B | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Ireland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 190 | 46 | +144 | 27 | 5 | 3 | 19 | Advance to knockout stage, and qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 151 | 34 | +117 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 15 | Advance to knockout stage, and qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup |
| 3 | Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 146 | 71 | +75 | 21 | 10 | 2 | 10 | Qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | Tonga | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 96 | 177 | −81 | 13 | 25 | 1 | 5 | |
| 5 | Romania | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 32 | 287 | −255 | 4 | 43 | 0 | 0 | |
* 9 September 2023 15:30 CEST (UTC+2)
| (1 BP) Ireland | 82–8 | Romania |
| Try: Gibson-Park 5' c Keenan 13' c Beirne (2) 17' m, 80+3' c Aki (2) 34' c, 75' c Sexton (2) 40' c, 62' c Herring 45' c O'Mahony (2) 50' c, 70' c McCarthy 67' c Con: Sexton (7/8) 6', 13', 36', 40', 46', 51', 63' Crowley (4/4) 68', 72', 76', 80+3' | Report | Try: Rupanu 3' m Pen: Rupanu (1/1) 21' |
* Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Attendance: 41,170 Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
* 16 September 2023 9:00 CEST (UTC+2)
| (1 BP) Ireland | 59–16 | Tonga |
| Try: Beirne 21' c Doris 27' c Hansen 33' c Sexton 38' c Lowe 59' c Aki 64' c, 69' c Herring 80' c Con: Sexton 22' , 28' , 34' , 39' , Byrne 60' , 65' , 69' , 80+1' Pen: Sexton 7' | Report | Try: Fifita 44' c Con: Havili 44' Pen: Havili 16' , 24' , 43' |
* Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
* 23 September 2023 9:00 CEST (UTC+2)
| South Africa | 8–13 | Ireland |
| Try: Kolbe 51' Pen: Libbok 6' | Report | Try: Hansen 33' Con: Sexton 35' Pen: Sexton 59' Crowley 77' |
* Stade de France, Paris Attendance: 78,750 Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
* 7 October 2023 9:00 CEST (UTC+2)
| Ireland | 36–14 | Scotland |
| Try: Lowe2' Keenan 26' , 39' Henderson 32' Sheehan 44' Ringrose 58' Con: Sexton 27' , 33' , 40' | Report | Try: Ashman 64' Price 65' Con: Russell 65' , 66' |
* Stade de France, Paris Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

#### Quarter-finals

* 14 October 2023 21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
| Ireland | 24–28 | New Zealand |
| Try: Aki 27' c Gibson-Park 39' c Penalty try 64' Con: Sexton (2/2) 29', 40' Pen: Sexton (1/2) 22' | Report | Try: Fainga'anuku 19' c Savea 33' m Jordan 53' c Con: Mo'unga (1/2) 21' J. Barrett (1/1) 54' Pen: Mo'unga (1/1) 8' J. Barrett (2/3) 14', 69' |
* Stade de France, Saint-Denis Attendance: 78,845 Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

## Overall record

| Against | Played | Win | Draw | Lost | Win % |
| Argentina | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25 |
| Australia | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 20 |
| Canada | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| France | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25 |
| Georgia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Italy | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Japan | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.67 |
| Namibia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Romania | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Russia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Samoa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Scotland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.67 |
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Tonga | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| United States | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Wales | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 33.33 |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Overall | 45 | 28 | 0 | 17 | 62.22 |

## Hosting

The Rugby World Cup is held every four years, and tends to alternate between the northern and southern hemispheres. Most northern hemisphere tournaments so far has been held in Europe, with the exclusion of the Japan World Cup in 2019 and in general Ireland usually hosts some games when it is held in Europe.

### 1991: UK/Ireland/France

The 1991 Rugby World Cup final was played in England, while pool and finals games were played all over European nations. Pool A, which England was in, saw matches played mostly in London, though games were also taken to Leicester, Gloucester and Otley. Pool B games, which involved European nations, Scotland and Ireland, had all their games in either Dublin or Edinburgh with one game being played in Belfast. Pool C, which Wales was a part of, had all their games in Cardiff, with one taken to Pontypridd, one played in Pontypool and one played in Llanelli. Pool D, which France were a part of, saw games played in Agen, Bayonne, Béziers and Grenoble. None of the quarter-finals or semi-finals were played in England. The final was played at the Rugby Football Union's Twickenham.

### 1999: Wales

The 1999 World Cup was hosted by Wales, but an agreement was reached so that the other unions in the Five Nations Championship (England, France, Ireland and Scotland) also hosted matches.
The format of the pool games was similar to the 1991 World Cup in England. All Pool A games were held in Scotland, Pool B games in England, Pool C games in France and Pool D games were all held in Wales. Second round play-offs and the quarter-finals were held a variety of European venues, the semi-finals were held at Twickenham Stadium, London. The third place play-off and the final were held at the new Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Venues in Ireland included Lansdowne Road, the traditional home of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Ravenhill, the Northern Ireland IRFU owned venue and Thomond Park.

### 2007: France

The 2007 competition was held in France, with some games played in Wales and Scotland. France won the right in 2003 to host the 2007 tournament. Three matches were played at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Two matches were held at Edinburgh's Murrayfield. Ireland were also offered to host matches at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, but had to decline the offer as construction work was scheduled to begin on the stadium.

### 2023: Bid

Ireland bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, losing out to eventual hosts, France.