In June 2018, Ireland played a three-test series against Australia as part of the 2018 June rugby union tests. It was the first time Ireland had played a test series against Australia in Australia since 2010. The series was part of the sixth year of the global rugby calendar established by World Rugby, which runs through to 2019.[1]
On 31 May, tour captain Rory Best was ruled out of the test series with a hamstring injury. Munster's Niall Scannell was called-up to replace him, with Peter O'Mahony and Johnny Sexton sharing the captaincy duties for the tour.[3]
Dave Kilcoyne trained with the squad as injury cover for Cian Healy ahead of the third test, whilst Will Addison also trained with the team, though neither player was officially added to the touring squad.[4]
On 30 May 2018, Michael Cheika named a 32-man squad for the three-test series against Ireland.[5]
On 3 June, Pete Samu was added to the squad after New Zealand Rugby agreed to release the flanker, who plays for Crusaders in New Zealand, for the test series.[6] On the same day however, hooker Jordan Uelese was ruled out of the series with a knee injury sustained playing for Melbourne Rebels.[7]Tolu Latu was called-up to the squad to replace Uelese.[8]
