France vs Ireland live: Latest score and updates as title hopefuls collide in huge Six Nations opener – UK Times

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is wary of the threat returning France skipper Antoine Dupont will pose to him and his side’s Six Nations hopes ahead of Thursday evening’s curtain-raiser in Paris.

Doris, who will hope to cause something of an upset against the reigning Six Nations champions and strong favourites, is under no illusions what damage Dupont, widely-regarded as the world’s best player, can cause.

Prendergast is preferred to Leinster teammate Harry Byrne and Munster’s Jack Crowley at No 10, with elder brother Cian also included as the starting blindside flanker.

James Lowe is left out with Jacob Stockdale installed on the left wing as part of a back three that also includes Tommy O’Brien and Jamie Osborne with Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan absent through injury.

Six forwards are named among the replacements as Ireland look to match France’s bench strength, including Test British and Irish Lions in Ronan Kelleher, James Ryan and Jack Conan.

ITV has become the home of international rugby union in the United Kingdom, with the broadcaster striking a deal to show every game from the new Nations Championship. Here’s everything you need to know about the competition:

This year marks the first of a new TV deal in the United Kingdom, with ITV and the BBC renewing their agreement to show the competition. ITV’s coverage will look a little different, though, with the introduction of one advert per half while a scrum is being set up – a way of generating extra revenue that I am told was vital to the channel’s investment both in this and the new Nations Championship.

You may be wondering why this year’s tournament is starting on a Thursday. Well, it’s due to the Winter Olympics and French TV rights – here’s the full story:

The Six Nations returns with rugby’s annual spring spectacular set to provide the usual thrills and spills.

Scotland also have a squad capable of challenging as they bid to bounce back from a disappointing autumn; Italy will hope to overcome injuries to maintain their upward curve; and Wales will look to banish off-field noise and take steps forward in their first Six Nations under Steve Tandy.

It is a slightly condensed campaign this year, with the removal of a rest weekend likely to put increased pressure on each squad. Could that have a bearing on the outcome of the competition?

Find out who The Independent’s writers are tipping for success in our annual predictions:

The 2026 edition of this tournament is condensed slightly, with the removal of one fallow week perhaps making squad depth all the more important. Who could it suit?

The Six Nations returns in style tonight as two title hopefuls collide in Paris. France open the defence of their title with a meeting with an injury-hit Ireland in a first Thursday night fixture in the competition since 1948.

Kick off at the Stade de France is at 8.10pm GMT.