An Ireland 'A' team are scheduled to play their French counterparts in Donnybrook on Friday, March 11, 2005.
This will be the first outing for an Irish 'A' team since 2003, when they played England 'A' in Donnybrook last spring.
The 'A' series of games was discontinued the following season but the need for further international competitive experience has led to this game being arranged between the Irish and French Unions.
Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan welcomed, saying: "This game will be important in developing Irish players and gives them the opportunity to gain valuable international playing experience.
"It also gives the Irish coaching staff the opportunity to monitor players outside of the provincial competitions and it is vital that this sort of player development continues."
