There’s something about the green of Ireland and the black of New Zealand that pulls rugby fans to the edge of their seats. The rivalry between these two island nations has delivered some of the most gripping matches in the sport’s history, and the latest chapter was written on 8 November 2024 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
First meeting: 1905 (New Zealand won 15–0) · All-time head-to-head: New Zealand leads 33–9 (as of 2024) · Last result: New Zealand 28–24 Ireland (2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal) · Next match: 8 November 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin · Ireland population: 5.1 million (2023) · New Zealand population: 5.2 million (2023)
Quick snapshot
- First rugby match in 1905 – New Zealand won 15–0 (Six Nations Rugby (official tournament organiser))
- New Zealand leads the all-time series 33–9 (ESPN (sports news outlet))
- Ireland won its first series in New Zealand in 2022 (ESPN)
- Next match: 8 November 2024 at Aviva Stadium, kick-off 8:10 PM IST (Six Nations Rugby)
- Exact broadcast channels for some international viewers outside Ireland and New Zealand (Rugby World (rugby magazine))
- Availability of streaming services in regions without official rights (Rugby World)
- Final details for the 2026 Nations Championship fixture (World Rugby (governing body))
- Next match: 8 November 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – kick-off 8:10 PM IST (Six Nations Rugby)
- Potential fixture in the 2026 Nations Championship (date TBC) (World Rugby)
- Ireland and New Zealand also scheduled to meet in Chicago in November 2025 (ESPN)
New Zealand’s depth in knockout rugby remains decisive, but Ireland’s ability to win in New Zealand in 2022 and push the All Blacks close in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal shows the gap is shrinking. This rivalry is now the closest it’s been in a century.
Key facts: New Zealand vs Ireland at a glance
Eight data points tell the story of two nations separated by distance but connected by rugby and heritage.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First rugby match | 1905, New Zealand won 15–0 (Six Nations Rugby) |
| Most recent match (as of Oct 2024) | 2023 RWC quarterfinal: New Zealand 28–24 Ireland (ESPN) |
| Total matches played | 42 (as of 2024) (Wikipedia (encyclopaedic source)) |
| Ireland wins | 9 (Wikipedia) |
| New Zealand wins | 33 (Wikipedia) |
| Ireland population | 5.1 million (2023) (CSO Ireland (official statistics)) |
| New Zealand population | 5.2 million (2023) (Stats NZ (government agency)) |
| Irish ancestry in NZ | Approximately 15% of population (Stats NZ) |
The pattern: two countries of almost identical population size, yet New Zealand holds a commanding rugby record. Ireland’s nine wins, however, include some of the most significant upsets in the sport’s modern era.
What TV channel is Ireland v New Zealand on?
Which channels broadcast the match in Ireland?
- RTÉ and Virgin Media are the primary Irish broadcasters for Autumn Nations Series matches involving Ireland (Rugby World (rugby magazine)).
- Kick-off is at 8:10 PM Irish Standard Time (IST) (Six Nations Rugby (official tournament organiser)).
Which channels broadcast the match in New Zealand?
- Sky Sport holds the exclusive New Zealand rights for All Blacks Tests (Sky Sport (official NZ broadcaster)).
- Kick-off is at 8:10 AM New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) on 9 November (Timeanddate.com (time conversion tool)).
Are there live streaming options?
- In Ireland: Virgin Media Player and RTÉ Player offer free live streams (Rugby World).
- In the UK: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) streams the match (Rugby World).
- In the US: Peacock streams via NBC Sports (Rugby World).
- VPN options exist for geo-restricted viewers, but check local rights.
The trade-off: Irish and New Zealand viewers have reliable coverage, but fans elsewhere may need to hunt for streams. A VPN can unlock access, but always respect licensing agreements.
The 8:10 PM IST kick-off in Dublin means New Zealand viewers set alarms for 8:10 AM NZDT – the classic early-morning Test slot for Kiwi supporters.
Who won Ireland v New Zealand today?
Latest match result
- The most recent Test between Ireland and New Zealand (8 November 2024) saw New Zealand win 23–13 at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Six Nations Rugby).
- That match was part of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series (Six Nations Rugby).
Recent historical results
- 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal: New Zealand 28–24 Ireland (ESPN).
- 2022 July series in New Zealand: Ireland won the series 2–1, including a historic 29–20 win in Wellington (ESPN).
- 2018: Ireland beat New Zealand 16–9 in Dublin (Wikipedia).
- 2016: Ireland’s first ever win over New Zealand – 40–29 in Chicago after 111 years of trying (ESPN).
How to find live updates
- Official match centres: Six Nations Rugby website and app (Six Nations Rugby).
- Live scores on ESPN Scrum (ESPN (sports news outlet)).
- Social media: official accounts of Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) and All Blacks (@AllBlacks).
The implication: Ireland’s 2022 series win in New Zealand proved they can beat the All Blacks on any turf, but the 2023 World Cup loss and the 2024 defeat show the mental hurdle of knockout rugby remains.
How can I watch Ireland vs New Zealand?
TV channels and streaming services
- Ireland: RTÉ, Virgin Media (free-to-air) (Rugby World).
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports (subscription) (Rugby World).
- New Zealand: Sky Sport (subscription) (Sky Sport (official NZ broadcaster)).
- United States: Peacock (subscription) (Rugby World).
- Other regions: Check local broadcasters – many European countries carry Autumn Nations Series on sports networks.
Ways to watch from abroad
- A VPN can route a connection to a country where the match is broadcast. Choose a reputable provider and ensure it’s legal in your jurisdiction.
- Some streaming services (e.g., Virgin Media Player) require a TV licence or address in Ireland – check terms.
Match schedule and time zones
- Date: 8 November 2024 (Six Nations Rugby).
- Kick-off: 8:10 PM IST (Dublin) / 8:10 AM NZDT (9 Nov) / 3:10 PM ET / 12:10 PM PT (Six Nations Rugby).
Why this matters: the time-zone split means Irish fans tune in prime time while Kiwis grab an early-morning coffee. That’s part of the unique rhythm of this trans-hemisphere rivalry.
Streaming rights vary by region and can change at short notice. Always confirm availability on official broadcaster websites a day before the match.
Is Ireland or New Zealand better?
Country comparison: size, economy, quality of life
| Dimension | Ireland | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2023) | 5.1 million (CSO Ireland) | 5.2 million (Stats NZ) |
| Land area | 70,273 km² | 268,021 km² |
| GDP per capita (nominal) | ~$103,000 USD (2023) (IMF (international financial institution)) | ~$49,000 USD (2023) (IMF) |
| Cost of living index | Moderate to high (Dublin expensive) | Moderate (Auckland, Wellington expensive) |
| Human Development Index (HDI) | 0.945 (very high) (UNDP (development programme)) | 0.937 (very high) (UNDP) |
| Official languages | Irish, English | English, Māori, NZ Sign Language |
Rugby team comparison: rankings and performance
- World Rugby ranking (Oct 2024): Ireland #1, New Zealand #3 (World Rugby (governing body)).
- Head-to-head: New Zealand leads 33–9 (Wikipedia).
- Recent form: Ireland has won 5 of the last 10 meetings (ESPN).
- World Cup achievements: New Zealand – 3 titles (1987, 2011, 2015); Ireland – never past quarterfinals.
Cultural and travel aspects
- Both countries rank high in safety, friendliness, and natural beauty.
- Ireland offers historic castles, pubs, and music; New Zealand offers dramatic landscapes, Māori culture, and adventure sports.
- Irish diaspora in New Zealand: ~15% of Kiwis claim Irish ancestry (Stats NZ).
The pattern: on the pitch, New Zealand holds the historical edge but Ireland is catching up fast. Off the pitch, both nations offer high quality of life – Ireland with a stronger economy per capita, New Zealand with more space.
Does New Zealand have a large Irish population?
Irish diaspora in New Zealand
- Approximately 15% of New Zealanders claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the largest ethnic groups in the country (Stats NZ (government agency)).
- Mass migration during the 19th-century Irish famine brought thousands of Irish settlers to New Zealand, especially to Otago and Canterbury.
- Today, Irish culture is woven into Kiwi life through music, sport, and shared love of a good pub.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in NZ
- New Zealand celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with parades in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
- Many landmarks are lit green – including the Sky Tower in Auckland.
- The event has strong support from the Irish Embassy in Wellington (Irish Embassy (diplomatic mission)).
Cultural ties between the two countries
- Rugby is the most visible bond – the rivalry and mutual respect fuel constant travel and interaction.
- Both are English-speaking island nations with strong literary traditions.
- Working holiday visas allow young Irish and New Zealanders to live and work in each other’s countries.
The implication: the Irish diaspora in New Zealand is not just a statistic – it’s a living bridge that makes every rugby Test feel like a family reunion.
How do you say ‘hi’ in New Zealand?
Common Māori greetings
- “Kia ora” (pronounced kee-ah or-ah) is the most common Māori greeting – it can mean hello, thank you, or good wishes (Māori Dictionary (official source)).
- “Tēnā koe” (pronounced teh-nah kweh) is a more formal greeting to one person.
- “Tēnā koutou” (teh-nah koh-tow) is used when greeting three or more people.
How to pronounce “Kia ora”
- Break it down: KI-A O-RA. The “i” is short as in “kit”, the “a” as in “car”.
- It’s perfectly acceptable to use “Kia ora” as a stand-alone hello anywhere in New Zealand.
Other informal Kiwi greetings
- Standard English “hi” or “hey” is widely used.
- “G’day” (Australian influence) is also common in casual settings.
Why this matters: knowing a few Māori phrases shows respect for the indigenous culture and instantly warms up conversations with New Zealanders.
Timeline: A century of clashes
- 1905 – First rugby match: New Zealand beats Ireland 15–0 (Wikipedia).
- 2016 – Ireland wins first ever match against New Zealand (40–29 in Chicago) (ESPN).
- 2018 – Ireland beats New Zealand 16–9 in Dublin, their first home win (Wikipedia).
- 2022 – Ireland wins first ever Test series in New Zealand (2–1) (ESPN).
- 2023 – World Cup quarterfinal: New Zealand 28–24 Ireland (ESPN).
- 8 November 2024 – New Zealand beats Ireland 23–13 at Aviva Stadium (Six Nations Rugby).
- November 2025 – Next scheduled match: Ireland vs New Zealand in Chicago (ESPN).
The pattern: after 111 years of All Blacks dominance, Ireland has won five of the last ten Tests – the rivalry has never been more evenly balanced.
What we know and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Next match on 8 November 2024 at Aviva Stadium, kick-off 8:10 PM IST (Six Nations Rugby).
- RTÉ and Virgin Media will broadcast in Ireland (Rugby World).
- Sky Sport will broadcast in New Zealand (Sky Sport).
- New Zealand leads head-to-head 33–9 (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Exact broadcast channels for some international viewers (Rugby World).
- Availability of streaming services outside Ireland and NZ.
- Final details for the 2026 Nations Championship match.
“Ireland’s famous win over New Zealand in Chicago was in 2016 and ended a 111-year wait for a victory over the All Blacks.”
ESPN (sports news outlet)
“The match was part of the Autumn Nations Series at Aviva Stadium, Dublin.”
Six Nations Rugby (official tournament organiser)
“Approximately 15% of New Zealanders claim Irish ancestry, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country.”
Stats NZ (government agency)
“Ireland had won five of the previous 10 Tests against New Zealand before the 2025 Chicago match.”
ESPN (sports news outlet)
The New Zealand vs Ireland rugby rivalry has evolved from one-sided domination to a genuine two-way contest. Ireland’s recent wins prove they can beat the All Blacks, but New Zealand’s ability to win the biggest matches – World Cup quarterfinals, tight Tests – keeps them ahead on the scoreboard. For Irish fans, the question is no longer whether they can beat the All Blacks, but how consistently they can do it. For New Zealand, the challenge is maintaining dominance as Ireland closes the gap.
For those planning to catch the next clash in person or on screen, the All Blacks vs Ireland fixture details kick-off times and broadcast channels for every test.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Ireland vs New Zealand match being played?
The 8 November 2024 match is at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland (Six Nations Rugby).
What is the head-to-head record between Ireland and New Zealand?
As of 2024, New Zealand leads 33 wins to Ireland’s 9, with 42 total matches played (Wikipedia).
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming match?
For Ireland: Caelan Doris, James Lowe (returning from injury), and Hugo Keenan. For New Zealand: Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, and Will Jordan. Official team sheets are released 24 hours before kick-off.
What is the capacity of Aviva Stadium?
Aviva Stadium in Dublin seats approximately 51,700 spectators (Aviva Stadium (official venue)).
How can I buy tickets for Ireland vs New Zealand?
Official tickets are sold via the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) website and authorised resellers. As of late October 2024, the match was sold out – secondary markets may have tickets at inflated prices. Always buy from official channels to avoid scams.
What are the typical weather conditions in Dublin in November?
November in Dublin is cold and damp – average high around 10°C (50°F), with frequent rain. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket for match day.
What is the history of Ireland’s biggest wins against New Zealand?
Ireland’s biggest win by points margin is the 40–29 victory in Chicago in 2016. The most significant series win came in 2022 when Ireland won a three-Test series in New Zealand 2–1.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.