Ireland v England start time and TV channel in Six Nations today
Ireland host England in the first round of the 2025 Six Nations.
In the absence of Andy Farrell, former Scarlets man Simon Easterby assumes the role of head coach. Farrell is on a sabbatical due to this commitments with as British and Irish Lions head coach.
Ireland are hoping to become the first ever nation to win three Six Nations in a row, with France the only other winners since 2022. Standing in their way on match day one are an England team who pipped them by a point in last year's tournament, but the Irish will be bolstered by their home advantage.
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Here's everything you need to know about Ireland v England.
When is Ireland v England?
Ireland v England kicks off at 4.45pm on Saturday, February 1 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Viewing details
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Ireland v England is being shown live on ITV1. You can therefore live stream the game by using the ITV X app, but you will need an ITV account and TV licence for this option.
The coverage starts at 4pm and concludes at 7pm.
Team news
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hanse, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham, Ryan, Beirne, Baird, van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.
England XV: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, Murley; M Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, B Curry, T Curry, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Heyes, Chessum, Cunningham-South, T Willis, Randall, F Smith.
What have the coaches said?
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby: "We’ve come off the back of a good week’s training in Quinta do Lago and I have been hugely impressed by the effort of the squad. We’ve enjoyed some competitive sessions and it wasn’t easy selecting a squad for this week’s game given the quality of those who haven’t made the final 23. Credit to those who missed out on selection for this game, there was obvious disappointment but they all stepped up brilliantly to help prepare the team this week.
"England are a talented squad with quality across their panel and we know that we will need to hit the ground running to deliver a winning performance.
"The atmosphere will be electric come kick off and I know how excited the Irish public will be to see their team perform. That opportunity to represent the Irish people is something that always motivates the players and there has been real intent in how they have approached this week’s training. We’re ready for the challenge and excited to get going."
England head coach Steve Borthwick: "We're looking forward to the challenge of facing the tournament favourites," said head coach Steve Borthwick.
"We know it'll be a tough contest against a team that's very familiar with each other. We'll need to work tirelessly and maintain our discipline from the first whistle to the last.
"England versus Ireland in Dublin is a huge occasion, and we'll be ready to face it head-on."
