Ireland to face China and Italy...guess where?

In fact, excluding the ill-fated Unity Cup, only two of Ireland's last eleven friendlies have been away from home.

Indeed, taking their next three friendlies into account, twelve of Ireland's last fourteen matches will have been at Landsdowne Road.

The China match will take place on the 29th of March and the Italy match will take place on the 17th of August.

China are ranked 54th in the world and Italy are 10th, only two positions above the Republic.

Tickets will be available from Ticketmaster from 10th of February.