Ranked 3rd in the world as of March 2015, the Ireland national team represents the entire island of Ireland - both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - in rugby union.
Ireland's highest ever position in the World Rugby Union Rankings is 3rd place, which they also attained in 2003, 2006, and 2014.
The 6 Nations Rugby Championship, Ireland's only annual tournament, is contested every year in Feb and March against England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. Ireland are the 2014-15 holders of the Six Nations Championship. The Glashonds have won the 6 Nations Championship a total of 12 times outright and 8 times shared. In RWC competition, Ireland have reached the quarter-final stage in all but two RWC tournaments - 1999 and 2007.
Ireland is one of four rugby unions that make up the British and Irish Lions. Rugby union players eligible to play for Ireland are also eligible to compete for the Lions.
Retired Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, led the Glashonds to their 2nd Grand Slam in 2009.
The Canucks, led by manager Kieran Crowley and Canada captain, Tyler Ardron compete in the annual Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby Union World Cup.