Ireland will be looking to get their title defence off to a winning start as they host England in round one of the 2025 Six Nations.
The 2025 Six Nations kicks off this weekend as England travel to Ireland in a much anticipated battle dating back to 1875. England ran out 2-0 winners that day as the Rugby scoring system we know today hadn't been invented yet.
Ireland are searching for the perfect start to this year's tournament as they look to make it three Six Nations Championships in a row this year, a feat which has never been done before in the current six team format.
A huge change for Ireland comes in the form of a new (Interim) Head Coach.
With Andy Farrell on a Lions tour sabbatical, the reins have been handed to Simon Easterby for this year's tournament and it's yet to see how this will impact Ireland's title credentials.
Hoping to spoil the Irish party for a second year in a row are Steve Borthwick's England.
Steve Borthwick hasn't been shy of making bold changes to his England side so far in his tenure, with his latest change bestowing the captaincy onto imperious lock forward, Maro Itoje.
There is a feeling amongst England fans, players and coaches of unease and frustration with their inability to hold onto leads in key moments costing them against the best sides in 2024.
You get the feeling that for Borthwick and for England, this tournament has to be a success.
Ireland v England will be available to watch live on ITV1.
An Ireland v England stream will also be available to be watched on ITVX.
Ireland v England will kick off at 16:45 GMT on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Ireland v England has always been a fiercely contested battle.
The two northern-hemisphere heavyweights have both exchanged significant blows on each other over the years, but no more than England denying the Irishmen a Grand Slam the last time the sides met.
When Ireland turned up to Twickenham in 2024, back-to-back Six Nations titles had already been confirmed.
That meant they were only searching for one thing: a never before achieved back-to-back Grand Slam.
Step up Steve Borthwick's England. The men in white edged the tie 23-22 to prevent the Irishmen from making history.
Ireland wins | 53 |
Draws | 8 |
England wins | 81 |
*H2H stats refer to meetings in all competitions.