The sporting rivalry between Ireland and England is reaching a fever pitch this September, with high-stakes cricket and rugby clashes dominating headlines and capturing the imagination of fans on both sides of the Irish Sea. While England’s cricket team prepares for a rare bilateral tour of Ireland, rugby fans are still buzzing about the intensity of their Six Nations encounters earlier this year. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments and what they mean for both nations.
Cricket: England’s Historic Tour of Ireland Kicks Off
For the first time since 2019, England’s men’s cricket team is touring Ireland for a full bilateral series—a significant moment for Irish cricket as it continues to establish itself as a Full Member nation. The action begins with a three-match T20 International (T20I) series at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin, with games scheduled for September 17, 19, and 21, all starting at 1:30 pm local time.
This series marks only the third time the two sides have met in T20Is, with their previous encounters limited to World Cup matches. Ireland famously defeated England in a rain-affected group game at the 2022 T20 World Cup, a result that still resonates with fans and players alike. The upcoming matches offer Ireland a chance to prove that victory was no fluke, while England will be eager to reassert their dominance.
But the cricketing drama doesn’t end there. Later in the month, the teams will cross the Irish Sea for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in England, starting on September 20 and concluding in Bristol on September 26. This bilateral series is part of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme, underscoring Ireland’s growing stature in the global game. For Irish cricket, locking in regular fixtures against top-tier nations like England is crucial for development, revenue, and fan engagement.
Rugby: Echoes of a Fierce Six Nations Clash
While cricket takes center stage this month, the memory of Ireland and England’s explosive Six Nations rugby encounter earlier this year still lingers. In a match described as a “seismic opener” to the tournament, Ireland hosted England at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, with both teams under immense pressure to perform.
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, faced scrutiny after a disappointing autumn campaign, and the match against tournament favorites Ireland was seen as a make-or-break moment for his tenure. Ireland, meanwhile, was hungry for revenge after a narrow 23-22 loss to England at Twickenham the previous year. The tactical battle was intense, with England fielding an unconventional, highly mobile back row featuring the Curry twins and Ben Earl—a gamble that could either outmaneuver Ireland or leave England exposed at the set piece.
Though the rugby chapter for 2025 has closed, the intensity of that clash set the tone for both teams’ seasons and left fans eager for the next installment of this historic rivalry.
What This Means for Fans and the Future
For cricket fans, this month offers a rare treat: a full England tour of Ireland, with both T20Is and ODIs providing plenty of opportunities for drama, upsets, and breakout performances. For Irish cricket, these matches are more than just games—they’re a chance to grow the sport, attract new fans, and secure vital funding for development at all levels.
Rugby enthusiasts, meanwhile, can reflect on a Six Nations that delivered high drama and tactical intrigue, with the Ireland-England fixture once again proving why it’s one of the most anticipated matches in the northern hemisphere rugby calendar.
Key Takeaways
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Cricket: England tours Ireland for a three-match T20I series (Sept 17, 19, 21) at Malahide, followed by a three-match ODI series in England (Sept 20–26).
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Rivalry: Ireland seeks to build on its 2022 T20 World Cup win over England, while England aims to reassert its dominance in both white-ball formats.
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Development: Regular bilateral cricket against top nations is vital for Ireland’s growth as a Full Member, offering financial and developmental benefits.
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Rugby: The 2025 Six Nations clash between Ireland and England was a tactical and emotional rollercoaster, with both teams under pressure to deliver.
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Future: Fans can expect more high-profile fixtures as both cricket and rugby continue to prioritize this cross-channel rivalry.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a cricket diehard or a rugby fanatic, September 2025 delivers a double dose of Ireland vs England action. These matches are more than just sporting contests—they’re cultural events, national pride on the line, and a chance to witness the next chapter in one of sport’s most enduring rivalries.
Sources
1. Ireland Tour of England 2025 Detail, Schedule, Squads, Fixtures
2. Borthwick's gamble and 4 other Ireland vs England talking points
3. IRE Vs ENG Squads: Who's In, Who's Out? Full Team Lists ...
4. Two changes for Ireland for Six Nations trip to leaders England
5. UK and Ireland opening 'next chapter' in their relationship
6. Cricket News - The Indian Express
7. IRE vs ENG News 9/21/2025: Ireland vs England ENG in IRE, 3 ODIs, 2025 News | Crickit by HT
8. News – The Errigle Inn
9. 2025 Six Nations: Ireland v. England | EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS | 4/12/2025 | NBC Sports
10. [PDF] Moving Censorship: Transnational Performances of Banned Irish ...
