With the Guinness Men’s Six Nations kicking off tomorrow evening, we’ve saved the best until last. Ireland are ranked as the second best side in the world behind New Zealand and they’re targeting a third consecutive title.
They meet old rivals England in their opening fixture on Saturday and ahead of their title defence, we’ve taken a closer look at their chances.
After securing the Guinness Men’s Six Nations last year, Ireland showed exactly why they’re not quite ranked the best side in the world in the Autumn Nations Series.
They came up against New Zealand in their opening game and were ultimately schooled in their own backyard as they lost 23-13. The All Blacks have developed into something of a bogey team for the Irish, having knocked them out of the World Cup in their previous meeting.
However, Ireland recovered to prove themselves as one of the top sides on the planet. They secured narrow wins over Argentina and Australia, while they tossed Fiji aside in their clash, beating them 52-17 in Dublin.
In last year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Ireland won four of their five matches, with a one-point defeat at the hands of England preventing a second consecutive Grand Slam. Marcus Smith broke Irish hearts as he fired home a drop goal in the dying embers of the game to secure victory for England at Twickenham.
Ireland will be looking to avenge that defeat as they face England in their opening game this weekend. If they can beat England, all eyes will be on their clash with France in Dublin on Saturday 8th March.
If both sides perform to the best of their ability in their opening four games, that could well be the match that decides the winner of this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
With coach Andy Farrell taking some time out to focus on the British and Irish Lions, Simon Easterby has stepped up to take charge for this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign.
And the defence coach hasn’t been afraid to shake things up. Uncapped 22-year-old Jack Boyle is in the squad for the first time after impressing for Leinster. Meanwhile, a string of familiar faces are back in the fold, with James Lowe, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong back in the squad after injury. However, Furlong is set to miss out this weekend following the recurrence of a calf injury.
Jimmy O’Brien is also set for a return to the Ireland set-up. The fullback has not played for his nation since Ireland’s quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup. Caelan Doris will captain the side for the Guiness Men’s Six Nations campaign.
Tom O’Toole is not in the initial squad after being suspended for six matches, while Craig Casey missed out through injury. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no space for Thomas Ahern – the Munster lock misses out despite his impressive form this season.
Ireland v England – Saturday 1st February, 16:45
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Scotland v Ireland – Sunday 9th February, 15:00
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Wales v Ireland – Saturday 22nd February, 14:15
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Ireland v France – Saturday 8th March, 14:15
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Italy v Ireland – Saturday 15th March, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
If you want to watch Ireland defend their crown in style, you can make the most of our exclusive hospitality area in the Marian College Marquee.
It’s located a short walk from the Aviva Stadium and as well as premium seats, you’ll get all this:
● Early admission to the corporate hospitality areas
● Full complimentary bar
● Delicious three-course gourmet meal paired with superior wines
● Finger food during the post-match reception
● Interview with current Ireland players
● HD TVs with video replays, ref talk and an official match programme
To join us for either of Ireland’s Guiness Men’s Six Nations matches at the Aviva Stadium, enquire today to reserve your place.
Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster) Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Caolin Blade (Connacht), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
For 20 years Engage have been delivering premium hospitality experiences around the world and we're thrilled to celebrate '20 Years of Engage' throughout the 2025 sporting and entertainment calendar. On a fantastic milestone for the company, our...