Ireland captain William Porterfield says the tour of Australia and New Zealand is the perfect preparation for next year's World Cup.
The Irish start their eight-game tour on Tuesday against Queensland Bulls on the Gold Coast.
"The tour is crucial. We're going to have 18 lads and that gives a bit of scope," said Porterfield.
"It's going to be a great experience, and a great learning curve for everyone to get to play in those conditions."
He added: "It's good, healthy competition and it's good, the fact that the lads will have that experience going Down Under."
The Irish start their eight-game tour on Tuesday against Queensland Bulls on the Gold Coast.
"The tour is crucial. We're going to have 18 lads and that gives a bit of scope," said Porterfield.
"It's going to be a great experience, and a great learning curve for everyone to get to play in those conditions."
He added: "It's good, healthy competition and it's good, the fact that the lads will have that experience going Down Under."