The dates have been announced for Irish rugby's first summer tour to the southern hemisphere since the first successful series against Argentina in 2014. Ireland face the number three ranked Springboks in a three-test series in June of 2016.
It represents Ireland's first tour of South Africa since losing a two-test series against the Boks in 2004. Ireland have a good record since that year against South Africa - winning four of the last six games all in Dublin. The last game between the sides was a comprehensive 29-15 victory that saw the beginning of the Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne centre partnership.
Ireland will face a South African team still stinging from an embarrassing defeat to Japan at the World Cup, although they managed to rebound to finish third. It's not clear if their head coach Heyneke Meyer will still be in his position for the tour. What is clear is that they will be without a number of high profile players who will be switching to the Sevens code in time for the Olympics. Names like Bryan Habana, Damien De Allende, and Francois Hougaard will be absent, meaning that Ireland will fancy their chances to win their first game in South Africa against the Boks ever.
Ireland's tour will come two weeks after the final game of the season, with the Pro 12 final scheduled for the 28th of May.
Ireland 2016 Summer Tour Fixtures:
1st Test: South Africa v Ireland; DHL Newlands, Cape Town - Saturday 11th June 2016
2nd Test: South Africa v Ireland; Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg - Saturday 18th June 2016
3rd Test: South Africa v Ireland; Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth - Saturday 25th June 2016
See Also: The South African Head Coach Is Certainly Not Enthused About The World Cup 3rd/4th Place Playoff
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
