Sexton to coach Ireland XV in Fijian fixture
Mark Sexton is in his second season as Ulster's attack coach
- Published
An Ireland XV selection will meet Fiji A in Cork on 20 November with Ulster attack coach Mark Sexton leading the panel.
It will be the first of three confirmed fixtures for Ireland's second-string outfit this season with games against Chile in Belfast on 12 February and England A in Exeter eight days later.
The Ireland Rugby Football Union [IRFU] said the series forms part of a "renewed focus on developing emerging talent", as well as providing players on the international radar with "valuable match minutes in green".
Sexton will be joined on the coaching ticket by Munster duo Jimmy Duffy and Jared Payne, as well as IRFU performance pathway scrum coach Seamus Toomey.
"These fixtures help bridge the gap between provincial rugby and the senior international squad, allowing players to test themselves against quality opposition while gaining valuable experience in a national team environment," said the IRFU's performance director David Humphreys.
"They also give us an opportunity to assess players, build relationships and develop greater depth across the player pool.
"Matches such as the upcoming one against Fiji 'A' in Cork are a valuable part of that process, challenging players in different ways and helping to ensure we continue to develop a strong group of players capable of competing in green at international level."
