Six Nations

It promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Warren Gatland beginning his second spell as Wales head coach and Ireland arriving in the Welsh capital ...

There is a degree of symmetry, provided by the Ospreys, between Gatland’s first game as Wales head coach 15 years ago and Saturday’s encounter that kicks off his second stint at the helm. The 37-year-old, who is expected to retire following the autumn World Cup in France, was devastated to be overlooked by Gatland for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. The game and occasion is right up his street.

The game in Wales is reeling from allegations of a culture of sexism and misogyny at the WRU.

“The WRU are in trouble and want to be seen doing the right thing. “It’s good we are talking about this now and I hope it won’t take the gloss of what should be a great sporting weekend.” Walker admitted there had been “warning signs” and said the organisation had been “in denial”. The Tories in Wales criticised the move as “virtue signalling”. He told the committee: “I think in any organisation, especially a large organisation like the Welsh Rugby Union, it’s possible for things to happen over a period of time and for people to turn a blind eye and not to address those problems.” She said she discussed had sexism with the WRU last year but had not seen formal complaints or allegations, and so what she could do was limited. “It’s the uncle of the person who ran the club last year or five years ago, 10 years ago, the nephew of somebody else – we need to broaden that out and make it more open. [resigned](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/29/steve-phillips-resigns-wru-chief-executive-toxic-culture-claims), and Nigel Walker, the former Cardiff and Wales winger, stepped up as acting CEO. Glaister said that in her 35 years of attending games, she had not experienced misogyny herself – and she is planning a Six Nations party this weekend, determined not to be put off the sport she loves. “But not shocked by the fact there is misogyny.” “I really hope this hasn’t affected the team and they can focus on the game in hand. The behaviours of the individuals at the WRU are totally abhorrent.

Match preview, team news and statistics for the opening match of the 2023 Six Nations between Wales and Ireland - which is live on BBC One on Saturday.

Conversely, they scored the second most (31) and conceded the joint-second fewest points (13) of any team in the last 20 minutes of matches. - The away team has not won any of the last nine Six Nations meetings, with each nation winning four games with one draw. - They scored the fewest (12) and conceded the most points (40) of any side in the first 20 minutes of games in last year's Championship. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell on the stadium roof being closed: "It's a fantastic stadium. It's fantastic. We've been there before when it's closed and there's no atmosphere like it. Andrew Cotter: How big is the Warren effect? Ireland are certainly favourites. And yet... With Robbie Henshaw still out, centre Stuart McCloskey retains his place, with Bundee Aki named on the bench. Wales full-back Liam Williams comes in as a late replacement for Leigh Halfpenny, who suffered a back spasm in training. Centre Joe Hawkins makes his championship debut.

England then entertain Scotland in a Calcutta Cup showdown at Twickenham, before round one finishes with defending Grand Slam champions France battling ...

England know they have to pull off a huge amount of transformation with no time to build. Warren Gatland did everything with Wales bar winning the World Cup in his 12-year first stint as head coach. The immediate uproar has forced a review, while more than 300 clubs are pushing for changes to the RFU board. A sexism and misogyny scandal has forced the removal of Wales Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips, while similar allegations have now surfaced in Scotland. English chief Bill Sweeney continues to fight for his own future, amid the RFU’s tackle-height fiasco. [England](/topic/england) then entertain [Scotland](/topic/scotland) in a Calcutta Cup showdown at Twickenham, before round one finishes with defending Grand Slam champions [France](/topic/france) battling [Italy](/topic/italy) in Rome.

Win this season's England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales shirt and cheer your nation on to victory.

The telling contrast between England’s variety of playmaker options and Scotland’s nailed-on talisman Finn Russell will be well-worth keeping an eye on this Saturday. With both the experienced hand Owen Farrell and maverick Marcus Smith both named in Borthwick’s squad, Eddie Jones’ controversial dual-playmaker strategy could still be on the cards. Of course, the question on every England fans’ lips is will the Smith-Farrell duo continue?

All eyes will be on the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this weekend as Wales play host to Ireland in the first game of the 2023 Six Nations.Ireland w.

The appointment of Gatland for Wales and a desire to stop the rot on home turf will not be enough to overcome an Ireland team that is out to prove its status as one of the favourites for the World Cup. Both teams will want to make a statement but there will also be a period of feeling one another out. Gatland’s return has had a big effect on belief in Wales though, and they will be hoping to snatch the headlines from the favourites on Saturday afternoon. George North will start his 110th game for Wales in the centre and is one try away from becoming the country’s all-time top scorer in the Six Nations. A mural of North has been painted on a wall in Cardiff close to the Principality and he is one of the most-loved players on the Welsh team. Opening games can always be tricky to call in terms of scoring. The Welsh will be hoping to bounce back from a dreadul run of form, with the return of Warren Gatland as coach revitalising belief in the squad. An Irish handicap could be the way to go on Saturday. However, this Ireland is a different beast altogether, and they will hope to replicate their comfortable 2022 opening-day victory over the Welsh this time around. The first was a dramatic late defeat to Georgia, a result that put the rugby world on notice, and the second was at the hands of Australia following a stunning comeback from the visitors. World number one Ireland will come into this year’s Six Nations hoping to go one further than last year’s runners-up finish. Let’s see how the bookies think this is going to play out.

Here's our team-by-team guide to the Six Nations, with our players to watch from every nation below… England. Coach: Steve Borthwick; Captain: Owen Farrell ...

He impressed so much at Pro D2 side Grenoble that he earned a transfer to Toulouse at the end of last season and his first appearance for the national team in last year’s Six Nations. A year later he was called up to the Ireland 7s team, and a year on from there he was in the Emerging Ireland squad that toured South Africa, where Crowley began to turn heads. It’s a feeling similar to watching Cheslin Kolbe in the two years he achieved immense success with South Africa and Toulouse. With Russell in the sinbin, Le Garrec stepped up to the tee and blasted the ball over the posts from long range, snatching victory from Quins and firmly staking his claim for a place in Galthié’s squad. He adds their main goals are not to concede after errors and to stay in the fight to the end of games. We want to get better for what’s down the track (the Rugby World Cup) for obvious reasons and dealing with a different type of pressure is going to be priceless for us going forward.” 1 in the world and coach Andy Farrell wants them to embrace the pressure to live up to ranking. But for the first time in nine years, Italy start a championship on the back of a win. [a new coach and a new style](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-six-nations-squad-2023-steve-borthwick-eddie-jones-2088583?ico=in-line_link) of play before the Rugby World Cup begins in September. They are likely to be paired throughout the tournament with a view to the World Cup. France is the most feared team in world rugby now but Galthié has to keep the momentum going. That’s the only real question for coach Fabien Galthié after his team peaked in 2022 by completing a calendar year of test rugby with a perfect winning record for the first time.

Les Bleus swept all before them last year for the first time in 12 years and eased past England to clinch glory in Paris on the final day.

Italy vs France odds Italy vs France prediction Italy vs France lineups The latter will back-up Dupont this weekend with Lucu out. Italy vs France team news How to watch Italy vs France

England kickstart the Borthwick era against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday and he wants to move on from the dour turnout last time out under Eddie ...

"So I ask them to be behind this team. England have had to wait all this time to be able to pull the white shirt on again. We’re offering you a chance to watch your nation’s last campaign for silverware before the World Cup. You try to do so well. "You want to do so well. “I was so gutted for the team.

ALEX BYWATER: Shocking allegations of sexism and misogyny have rocked the game. Chief executive Steve Phillips resigned as the crisis escalated.

The return of Gatland could yet lead to a shock start to the tournament. Wales will look to target Ireland at the scrum. Wales will have to be close to faultless to upset this imperious Ireland team. The pressure is off us externally but internally we put a lot of pressure on ourselves because we know our ability as a squad.’ Jac Morgan will look to continue his impressive development on the flank. The Ulster centre is a fearsome carrier and poses a threat to Welsh rookie Joe Hawkins. ‘The issues raised are important to us as players and as a union. Wales have to match the world’s No 1 side there to have a chance. The Ospreys back has earned praise from coach Gatland and has a good all-round game. Biggar will be on Welsh kicking duties after the withdrawal of the injured Leigh Halfpenny. Wales fly-half Dan Biggar missed the autumn campaign due to injury but has swapped Northampton for Toulon and remains a key figure for Warren Gatland. But we are in our own bubble and the only thing we can do is concentrate on the rugby.

Welsh rugby has been rocked by allegations of sexism and misogyny. The same issues have hit Scottish club rugby. The powers that be at Murrayfield are not ...

On the playing front, the opening weekend of the Six Nations is set up beautifully. Wales against Ireland in the opening game has so many stories and layers to it. What I hope to see this year is matches which stand the test of time. The 2023 Six Nations — with a terrestrial television audience — is a wonderful platform for the players to strut their stuff. Also, Ireland haven’t won a Six Nations game in Cardiff since 2013. I won 21 caps for England but only played in one game I look back on now and think of as especially memorable. The same is true of Gregor Townsend, Fabien Galthie and Kieran Crowley. SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: This could be the best Six Nations tournament in history... This is a brilliant time of year for rugby supporters. It is a sorry state of affairs. Most other sports would die for the fervent following the Six Nations receives. That’s why rugby needs a great Six Nations now more than ever.

With the Six Nations tournament just around the corner, many will be eager to know when the first matches are, especially the one played between Scotland ...

- Ben Curry - Kyle Sinckler - Jamie George - Kyle Steyn - Jamie Ritchie - George Turner

From the referee to how to watch on TV, here is everything you need to know about the Wales v Ireland Guinness Six Nations match this weekend.

- Dan Biggar - Thomas Francis - Gareth Thomas

Andy Farrell says Ireland's preparation for a shot at Guinness Six Nations glory is the best he has ever seen as his side bid to begin the championship with ...

“But we’re in a good place, we’ve good clarity on what we’re doing. I’ve no doubt tomorrow will be a tight game as well. Hopefully they will be ready to take it, if and when needed.” There’s real good leadership and ownership in the group, so they’re in a good place to put out a good performance.” “We had a good autumn but it could have been a disappointing autumn as well but for a few points here and there. Just Wales.

Warren Gatland's Wales take on Andy Farrell's no.1 ranked Ireland side in a blockbuster start to the 2023 Six Nations Championship in Cardiff on Saturday.

We’re offering you a chance to watch your nation’s last campaign for silverware before the World Cup. [BBC](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bbc), with coverage starting at 1:15pm. The match will also be available on the BBC's [iPlayer](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/iplayer) streaming service. [Netflix](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/netflix) will be producing a fly-on-the-wall series on the action that unfolds. [Six Nations](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/six-nations) makes its highly-anticipated return this weekend with [Wales](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/wales-rugby-union-team) facing [Ireland](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/ireland-rugby-union-team) in a bumper opening showdown in Cardiff. The two teams are strong contenders for the World Cup and Ireland have the first opportunity to lay down marker with a strong away performance in Cardiff.

Unpredictability is a guarantee with presence of world's best team adding extra spice in a World Cup year.

The directives have come that scrums and lineouts will be given the hurry-up – not to the detriment of safety – and there will be shot-clocks. The hope is that it will be translated into a more attractive spectacle later in the year but the beauty of the Six Nations is that either way, with so many closely matched sides, we can guarantee tension and excitement. Those messages have been crystalised: they want a spectacle, they want space to be utilised and they want safety. They might have had only 10 sessions together but Steve will know that if you can change the way that players think then ultimately you can change the way that they behave. Steve has spoken about the non-negotiables – things like workrate, fight, making every part of the game a competition. It has a rich history and the proximity of the competing sides makes it such a captivating couple of months.

New England coach Steve Borthwick takes charge for the first time on Saturday as his side taken on Scotland in their opening 2023 Six Nations game at ...

[Wales](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/wales-rugby-union-team) v Ireland game at 2.15pm. [South Africa](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/south-africa-rugby-union-team) in one proved the final game of the Eddie Jones era. Amid a raft of changes, Joe Marchant also replaces Manu Tuilagi in midfield, meaning captain Owen Farrell remains at inside-centre alongside fly-half Marcus Smith. Jones, 63, was said to have previously been uninterested in dialogue with the World Rugby referee department. Borthwick will field Ellis Genge, Jamie George, and Kyle Sinckler in the front row for the Calcutta Cup clash, having already made a crucial coaching change in that department. Defending champions [France](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/france-rugby-union-team) start their campaign away to [Italy](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/italy-rugby-union-team) tomorrow. According to the data presented, the Red Roses only retained 85% of their own ball in 2022. [Six Nations](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/six-nations) teams left [RFU](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rfu) personnel red-faced, with the presentation including multiple examples of the [England](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-rugby-union-team) scrum being penalised. [He's also opted to field an entirely new back row](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-scotland-six-nations-team-29116563), with Ben Curry given his Six Nations debut at openside flanker. [The Springboks prevailed that day 27-13,](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-sorry-south-africa-defeat-28594322) with Jones, [who was sacked weeks later](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/eddie-jones-england-rfu-statement-28665335), vociferously critical of the referee afterwards with his side having given away four scrum penalties. [Steve Borthwick](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/steve-borthwick) takes charge for the first time against [Scotland](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/scotland-rugby-union-team) this Saturday. [Daily Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/02/03/englands-illegal-scrum-forces-change-scotland-six-nations-game/), match officials used the recent meeting to highlight issues surrounding the England scrummage.

England begin a new chapter under Steve Borthwick on Saturday as the Red Rose opens its Six Nations at home to Scotland, who are targeting three straight ...

Gray, Gilchrist; Ritchie (captain), Crosbie, M. We’re offering you a chance to watch your nation’s last campaign for silverware before the World Cup. [Gregor Townsend](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/gregor-townsend)'s side if they can manage to back up victories in each of the last two editions of the Six Nations. [Steve Borthwick](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/steve-borthwick)'s first task in his debut outing as England head coach will be to stop that streak in front of a capacity crowd at Headquarters. Gray, Dempsey; Horn, Kinghorn, Harris Scotland edged their hosts 11-6 when they last visited Twickenham in 2021 and drew a 38-38 blockbuster two years prior to that. When you watch a game, you're wanting to see the team go play their hearts out and not thinking about something in the future, what might be or what might not be." [ITV](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/itv). [ITVX](https://www.itv.com/). [comments section](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-scotland-six-nations-calcutta-29096648#comments-section). However, that's the rare record that awaits "Players deserve the opportunity to be best prepared for that game," said Borthwick.

Welsh rugby is badly in need of a lift amid turmoil behind the scenes, with allegations of sexism and misogyny at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). A ...

They are absolutely flying under Farrell, with a narrow defeat in France the only blot on a terrific copybook in 2022. Wales vs Ireland odds Wales vs Ireland prediction Wales vs Ireland lineups Wales vs Ireland team news How to watch Wales vs Ireland

But with a World Cup looming large in France in September, time is of the essence as former Leicester supremo Borthwick aims to get England quickly back on ...

However, a very intriguing Scotland team also has a nice blend of energy, ruggedness and power, which they will feel is enough to start the Six Nations with another bang. England vs Scotland odds Questions will also be asked of that back-row combination given the sheer depth available. England vs Scotland lineups Kyle Steyn deputises for injured wing Darcy Graham, meanwhile. Vice-captain Courtney Lawes, Elliot Daly, Henry Slade, Dan Kelly, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart and George McGuigan are among the other notable injury absentees, while Jonny Hill and Jack Willis have both been released back to their clubs, along with Bevan Rodd, Joe Heyes, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley and Guy Porter.

The atmosphere promises to be electric in the first of a sensational double header as England host Scotland in the tea time match. Here's everything you need to ...

Wales had to make a change after Leigh Halfpenny had a back spasm on Thursday and was withdrawn. Halfpenny was due to win his 98th cap on Saturday and make a first Wales start for 19 months. Aki returned from suspension to come off the bench against the Wallabies, but Farrell has retained Stuart McCloskey in the midfield after he started all three autumn tests. This will be the first Ireland game he’s around for and not started in two years. Coach Andy Farrell hoped the tighthead will be ready for next week against France. Tadhg Furlong failed to recover in time from injury so Finlay Bealham will prop up Ireland against Wales.

The roof will be closed at the the Principality Stadium, where an intense atmosphere is guaranteed for what promises to be a lively curtain-raiser as favourites ...

Captain Ken Owens: “I always dreamed of representing my country growing up, so to have the opportunity to captain Wales means a hell of a lot to me. The Lions hooker has been handed the mantle by Gatland in a big show of faith in one of the boss’ most trusted long-term lieutenants. The uber-successful Kiwi coach is back for a second bite of the Welsh cherry. I’ve had that experience in the past with Wales, having to handle the favourites’ tag.” A shrewd operator, funny off the pitch and smart on it. Ireland will be favourites to get off to a strong start here, but have not won in the Welsh capital in this competition since 2013 and lost Jamison Gibson-Park to injury before kick-off. Wayne Pivac’s tenure never worked out, so the decorated former Wasps and three-time Lions boss is back at the Cardiff helm. We wanted it closed as well, to sample the atmosphere and keep progressing on our journey. The roof will be closed at the the Principality Stadium, where an intense atmosphere is guaranteed for what promises to be a lively curtain-raiser as favourites Ireland look to make an early statement in their bid for a first title since 2018 with the World Cup looming large later this year. Follow Wales vs Ireland in the Six Nations live below! “I don’t know about a free shot in Test-match rugby. “It hasn’t always been the easiest tag for Irish and Welsh teams in the past to carry going in as the favourites.

Brian O'Driscoll will forever be a name etched in Guinness Six Nations folklore. The Ireland behemoth enjoyed a scintillating Championship career, ...

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And Farrell has named a strong side with Johnny Sexton captaining the side but Tadhg Furlong is out injured and Conor Murray will now start ahead of Jamison ...

A try there would have been an early try of the year contender Wales win a penalty in their own 22 but it comes off one of Ireland's best passages of play. Wales now come again but Ireland then win the penalty. Wales 10-27 Ireland Wales 3-24 Ireland Not too many of them this half and a try gets them the bonus point. Wales 3-27 Ireland They are nearly there as Casey and O'Toole both have chances. Wales 8-27 Ireland Wales 10-32 Ireland Wales 10-34 Ireland Line out Ireland but Wales win the penalty

If you are looking for some late inspiration for your Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby picks, a former Championship winner is probably the person to.

Andrew Porter as well, he could always sneak over for a little pick and go. “Second rows, I’ve gone for Maro Itoje, I think he’s a point-scorer. “Front row, I’ve gone for Danilo Fischetti. “For the back row I’ve gone with Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier and Charles Ollivon. “In the centre I’ve gone for Joe Marchant. We’ve then got what I assume will be a win for France on Sunday.

Tune into our live blog below for updates as they happen from Saturdays opening of the 2023 Six Nations; First up, Warren Gatlands Wales host Ireland in his ...

Minute-by-minute report: Returning Wales coach Warren Gatland takes on the world No 1s. Join Lee Calvert.

Keenan is brought into the line up the left and the visitors are in the Wales 22 and up to eight phases before the red defence inevitably drift offside as they scramble manically. For Andy Farrell and Ireland it’s pretty much a CTRL-ALT-C, CTRL-ALT-V of the squad that delivered so much in 2022, with changes forced by injury in the main. The chance to kick sticks is spurned by Sexton and instead Ireland take a tap and go and take a few ramming carries up to the line from 5m. From herein expect every move, injury, strategy and selection to usher in hot takes, indications of portent, and the clanging doom of Ireland fans dreading yet another unsatisfactory exit. Faletau does a good job tidying up the scrum five to give Wales a couple of attacks in the Ireland 22. Ireland have another lineout, this time midway in the Wales half, which is batted off the top to find Ringrose in midfield with a solid carry. Warren Gatland has taken the lead of Embrace by coming back to what he knows with his (second) first Wales selection. Another first, Wales have a good scrum on the Ireland 22 and this time Hawkins comes in on a lovely crash angle to rumble up to within feet of the line. The ball spills and Rio Dyer is first to it, hacks on and chases 30 metres, but just as it looks like he’s about to flop on it to score, Hugo Keenan times his dive perfectly to get to it first and defuse the situation This time McCloskey is put into a gap and they are up into the 22 before some imprecise breakdown work allows Wales to win the ball back and clear. The ball is quick to recycle to Biggar, but he’s static, grappled in the tackle then the Irish defenders swarm the breakdown meaning the Welsh 10 can do nothing but hold on and be penalised. However, it’s notable that Ireland are putting very few into the ruck, leaving plenty defenders fanned out across the field so as the home side push it lateral a few too many times the green cover allows Lowe to push up, intercept and gallop in from 60 metres.