Irish to face Italy at Ravenhill

Ravenhill last hosted a full Ireland international in 1954

The IRFU has confirmed that Ireland will play Italy at Ravenhill on the last weekend of August 2007 as part of their preparations for the World Cup.

It will be the first time since Feburary 1954 that a full international will be played at the Belfast venue.

Ireland will also face Scotland at Murrayfield on 11 August in the lead up to their opening World Cup game in Bordeaux on 9 September.

Those two games ends a busy season with a 12-match schedule planned.

As well as three games next autumn against South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Island, Ireland have the Six Nations campaign and a two-match tour to Argentina next summer to negotiate.

That game at Ulster rugby headquarters is only the second international match to be played outside Lansdowne for 53 years.

During the 2003 World Cup warm-up, Eddie O'Sullivan's side played Italy at Limerick's Thomond Park.

Scotland were the last team team to play a full international at Ravenhill when an Ireland side won 6-0 thanks to two tries by Bective Rangers wing Maurice Mortell.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "To have an international being played in Ravenhill is a huge boost for the game of rugby in Ulster.

"The recent success of Ulster team and also the growth of the game in the province and throughout Ireland should ensure a magnificent send off for the Ireland team in advance of the World Cup."