Ladbrokes has teamed up with rugby star Ian Madigan to create a landmark conversion kick ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which gets underway in France this evening.

Ahead of Ireland’s opening clash against Romania, Madigan ‘kicked off’ the supporter’s campaign in style with a landmark conversion over the most unlikely set of rugby posts, the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys, in Dublin.

This monumental conversion comes as Ladbrokes research reveals Andy Farrell as the nation’s favourite Ireland rugby coach of all time, with almost a quarter of the vote. Elsewhere, Ireland’s win against New Zealand in 2022, where they became only the fifth team in history to beat the All Blacks on their home turf, has been voted Ireland’s Best Ever Rugby Win with just over a third of the vote.

Ladbrokes make Ireland 9/2 to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with France, New Zealand, and South Africa the co-favourites at 3/1.

“Rugby World Cup fever is really kicking off ahead of Ireland’s opener against Romania this weekend and we were delighted to team up with Ian Madigan to drum up support across the nation with this unique landmark conversion over the Poolbeg Chimneys,” said Ladbrokes’ Nicola McGeady.

“Ladbrokes’ survey has revealed Ireland’s win against the All Blacks on their home turf in 2022 as the fans favourite victory, but there is huge support and a real sense of belief in this group, and we certainly think they can give us more moments for the history books at this tournament.”

“Ireland is heading into this World Cup as a serious contender, and it has been great to work with Ladbrokes to drum up support for the lads,” added Madigan.

“It’s not every day you get to convert a kick over a landmark as iconic as the Poolbeg Chimneys, and I think I speak for all rugby fans when I say we are in for an absolute cracker of a tournament.”