Ireland held on against much-improved Italy at the Aviva on Saturday. Here are the Ireland player ratings after another disappointing performance.

Read the full report, get match reaction and watch the highlights from Stade de France as Les Bleus host Ireland in the opening round of the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations in Paris.

It’s like that Miles Kington line that Brian O’Driscoll kidnapped and tortured for an Ireland press conference 17 years ago. “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit,” he said. “Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”

The home of Ireland Rugby Union on BBC Sport online. Includes the latest news stories, results, fixtures, video and audio.

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland got relief from beating Italy 20-13 in the Six Nations on Saturday, coming from behind at halftime and grinding out an unconvincing result. Coach Andy Farrell wanted his slumping side to muzzle the doubters and make a statement after being blown away by France 36-14 last week,

Hollie Davidson will make history in that game in Dublin when she will become the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations game. Donald McRae talks to the 33-year-old Scot about her journey in the sport, which has featured no end of abuse from the sidelines.

Ireland hosts Italy at 9:10 a.m. ET in Round 2 of the Six Nations at Aviva Stadium. Get preview details and how to follow live from Dublin.