England A team to face Ireland XV at Sandy Park in February 2027
Sandy Park to host England A match amidst Guinness Six Nations
Sandy Park in Exeter will host England A as they take on an Ireland XV on Saturday, 20th February 2027.
England Rugby’s head of men's player pathway and men's A head coach, Mark Mapletoft, will lead the team in the match occurring during the 2027 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
The England A side will play the Irish team a week before the first team faces Chile at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester.
Mapletoft expressed enthusiasm about the venue, stating: “We’re really looking forward to playing at Sandy Park, which is a fantastic venue for our players to experience. It’s an opportunity for the group to perform in a great rugby environment and embrace everything that comes with the occasion. We’re excited to get down to Exeter and hopefully put on a performance the supporters can enjoy.”
This match marks the return of England A to Sandy Park for the first time since 2012 when England Saxons claimed a victory over Irish Wolfhounds with a score of 23-17.
Re-established in 2024, England A has provided international exposure to several Chiefs players within the past two years, including Gallagher PREM regulars such as Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau, and Will Butt.
Rob Baxter, director of rugby at Exeter Chiefs, expressed his delight at Sandy Park being selected as the venue: “I’m delighted Sandy Park has been chosen as the host venue for this match. Rugby is thriving in the South West and it is testament to our set-up here that England’s representative side will follow the women’s Rugby World Cup and the Red Roses in hosting matches here.”
He added that the event offers a significant chance for players who are close to the international selection to showcase their skills in domestic and European competitions before the early 2027 international block.