The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced that Donnybrook Stadium will host the home fixtures of the Irish Women's team for the 2016 RBS Six Nations.

The Irish Under-20s team also return to the venue having played England there during the 2015 championship, and they will open their 2016 campaign at home to Wales under the lights on Friday 5th February.

The visit of the Welsh women on Saturday 6th February will be the first time the Irish women’s team play at the venue, as they move from Ashbourne RFC, where they have played since 2009.

Announcing the venues IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora, said:

“The playing surface at Donnybrook Stadium is one of the best in the country and should allow both teams to play great rugby. Having watched the Under-20s there in 2015 I was really impressed with the stadium and believe that it will bring something extra to the women’s game also.”

Commenting on their move from Ashbourne to Dublin Women's Captain, Niamh Briggs, said,

“The move to a bigger venue is fantastic for the development of the game but we will of course miss Ashbourne where we have always been made so welcome and were so well looked after. We are delighted to have left on the high of a championship win and hope that all the supporters that followed our journey will join us for the next steps in the development of our game at Donnybrook.”

2016 RBS Six Nations fixtures

WALES

Friday 5th February 2016 - Ireland Under-20’s v Wales Under-20’s ko 7.35pm

Saturday 6th February - Ireland Women v Wales Women ko 1.00pm

ITALY

Friday 11th March 2016 - Ireland Under-20’s v Italy Under-20’s ko 7.35pm

Sunday 13th March - Ireland Women v Italy Women ko 1.00pm

SCOTLAND

Friday 18th March 2016 - Ireland Under-20’s v Scotland Under-20’s ko 7.35pm

Sunday 20th March - Ireland Women v Scotland Women ko 1.00pm