Sandy Park to host England A fixture in 2027

The Rugby Football Union [RFU] have confirmed Sandy Park will host England A against an Ireland XV on Saturday, 20 February, 2027 [kick-off 19:00].

The side will be led by England Rugby head of men’s player pathway and men’s A head coach Mark Mapletoft. They will arrive in Devon in the midst of the 2027 Guinness Six Nations campaign for the first team with a ‘A’ side facing the Irish one week before taking on Chile at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester.

About playing in Devon, Mapletoft said: “We’re really looking forward to playing at Sandy Park, which is a fantastic venue for our players to experience. It’s an opportunity for the group to perform in a great rugby environment and embrace everything that comes with the occasion. We’re excited to get down to Exeter and hopefully put on a performance the supporters can enjoy.”

The game marks the first time since 2012 that an England A representative side has played at Sandy Park. On that occasion, England Saxons were victorious against an Irish Wolfhounds side by 23-17.

England A was re-established in 2024 and has given international exposure to a handful of Chiefs players in the past two years, including Gallagher PREM regulars Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau and Will Butt.

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “I’m delighted Sandy Park has been chosen as the host venue for this match. Rugby is thriving in the South West and it is testament to our set-up here that England’s representative side will follow the women’s Rugby World Cup and the Red Roses in hosting matches here.

“It also provides a prime opportunity for our players on the outskirts of the international set-up to put up their hands for selection with impressive performances in our league and European fixtures in the lead-up to the early 2027 international block.”

Tickets for the match will go on general sale next Tuesday, 6 September at 12:00 here. However, tickets are on sale now in a priority window for all Exeter Chiefs seasonal members, available through their TicketHub account. Adult tickets start from £18 and U16s from £5.