SportsNewsIreland

Ireland vs Canada: Comparing Popular Sports Fanship Across The Atlantic

Garth Kenny — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:17:03 +0000

Ireland vs Canada: Comparing Popular Sports Fanship Across The Atlantic

Sports fans in both Canada and Ireland are renowned for passionately following their favorite sports, with fanbases following their teams across the world to see them compete in international competitions. However, the sports that are most popular in the two countries vary quite considerably.

Both countries introduced the world to their native sports, with Ireland inventing Gaelic football and hurling, while Canada is the home of ice hockey and lacrosse. Interestingly, Gaelic football and lacrosse have many similarities, as do the fanbases across the two nations.

Let’s take a look at some of the key commonalities and differences across the sports fanships in Ireland and Canada:

Soccer

While soccer is the most followed sport globally, the sport does not seem to appeal to Irish and Canadian people as much as it does in countries like England, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.

The Republic of Ireland’s national football team have suffered disappointments in failing to qualify for major tournaments such as the World Cup and the Euros. However, when ROI qualified for the World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 2002, fans travelled in their droves to support them. Following the World Cup 2002, Irish fans were voted the best in the business by the organizers, highlighting the passion and spirit they demonstrated, not just in the football grounds but the atmosphere they created outside the venues too.

Ireland still have a chance of making it to the World Cup in 2026, if they can navigate the playoffs in March. If they qualify, you can expect to see a green sea of supporters heading to the US, Mexico or Canada, depending on where their games will be played if they should qualify.

Soccer has never been one of the most followed sports in Canada but that is slowly changing. There is increased interest in the MLS and elite domestic leagues like the Premier League. As one of the hosts for the World Cup 2026, it is likely that this will be a catalyst for creating new generations of soccer fans in Canada, as this has been a common trend in previous tournaments.

Ice Hockey

Canadians are fiercely proud of their national sport and the NHL is the most watched sport in Canada. Even as other sports grow in the country, many Canadians stay loyal to the country’s primary sport. Around 60% of Canadians follow the NHL and the sport is deeply embedded in the Canadian DNA.

Ice hockey is not nearly as popular in Ireland as field hockey, which is understandable given the lack of teams and ice rinks in the country.

Gaelic Football

Just like ice hockey is part of the Canadian DNA, Gaelic football runs in the blood in Ireland. Around 40% of the population in the Republic of Ireland rate Gaelic football as their favorite sport and it is the highest attended sport. While there is a higher participation in association football/soccer, Irish sports fans have a stronger allegiance to Gaelic football in terms of spectating.

Rugby

In Ireland there is a big rugby following, particularly at national level. Irish fans show up in their numbers to support their national team in the Six Nations and there are huge volumes of TV viewers at home too. Ireland has had great success in international rugby, especially in contrast to the nation’s football success.

Rugby has not really captured attention in Canada, there are many other sports that draw bigger audiences and it can’t compete with ice hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball and American football.

Sports Betting

Betting on sports in both Canada and Ireland is very popular, and with the regulatory changes in Canada bringing more options for sports bets online for Canada the appetite for sports betting has grown considerably. Canadian sports fans regularly place bets on the NHL, basketball and many other sports now that there are more operators providing secure betting platforms.

In Ireland, sports betting has a long history, particularly with horse racing, which is another sport that is deeply ingrained in Irish culture. Irish bettors also enjoy betting on the English Premier League, with Irish football fans largely following Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.

When the Six Nations fixtures are taking place, there is a huge influx of betting activity in Ireland, with many bettors backing their national team to succeed.

There are lots of differences in terms of the most followed sports between Ireland and Canada, but what both countries are not short of is passionate fanships that are highly patriotic and loyal to their national sports.

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Ireland Written Off in Paris? Farrell Names Six Nations Team as France Installed Heavy Favourites

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:12:30 +0000

Ireland Written Off in Paris? Farrell Names Six Nations Team as France Installed Heavy Favourites

Ireland have been priced as outsiders for Thursday night’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener in Paris, with bookmakers firmly backing France — despite Andy Farrell naming an experienced and battle-hardened Match Day 23.

Caelan Doris will captain Ireland at the Stade de France as the 2026 Championship gets under way, but betting markets suggest expectations are low for the visitors, with France listed at 1/7 to win and Ireland drifting to 5/1.

Selection calls at out-half continue to dominate discussion, with Harry Byrne once again the unluckiest omission as Farrell opts for Sam Prendergast to start and Jack Crowley to cover from the bench.

Farrell Backs Continuity for Paris Test

Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale form the back three, while Stuart McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in midfield. Jamison Gibson-Park and Prendergast are named in the half-backs as Farrell prioritises tempo and game control.

In the pack, Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne combining in the engine room. Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Doris complete the back row.

Harry Byrne the Unlucky Loser Again

Byrne’s absence will raise eyebrows, particularly given his recent form and the condensed nature of the Six Nations. With Ireland light on depth at out-half in recent campaigns, his continued exclusion underlines just how tight Farrell’s selection calls have become.

Instead, Farrell has doubled down on familiarity, with Crowley again trusted as the primary replacement playmaker.

Bench Built for Paris Intensity

Ireland’s bench contains significant power and experience, with Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan and Jack Conan all primed to make an impact, while Craig Casey and Crowley provide tempo and control in the closing stages.

Squad Stats: Experience and Provincial Split

Total caps in Match Day 23: 786
Average caps per player: 34

Provincial representation:

Leinster: 13 players
Munster: 5 players
Ulster: 3 players
Connacht: 2 player

Leinster again dominate the selection, particularly across the leadership group and spine of the side, while Connacht’s sole representative is Finlay Bealham.

Farrell: “An Amazing Tournament”

“I’ve been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we’ve a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal,” Farrell said.

“The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players. We know what the Stade de France brings and how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be.”

Betting: France Strong Favourites

The betting markets paint a clear picture ahead of kick-off:

Match odds: France 1/7, Ireland 5/1, Draw 35/1
Handicap: France -13 (10/11), Ireland +13 (10/11)
Six Nations outright: France 8/11, Ireland 6/1

Despite Ireland’s recent competitiveness in Paris, bookmakers expect France’s power and home advantage to prove decisive.

Live Coverage

The match kicks off at 8.10pm Irish time and is live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland v France – Match Day 23

15. Jamie Osborne (Leinster)
14. Tommy O’Brien (Leinster)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)
10. Sam Prendergast (Leinster)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster)
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster)
3. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster)
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain)

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley

⸻

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How Early Will Irish Fans Have to Get Up? Rugby World Cup 2027 Ticket Prices and Ireland’s Schedule Revealed

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:03:26 +0000

How Early Will Irish Fans Have to Get Up? Rugby World Cup 2027 Ticket Prices and Ireland’s Schedule Revealed

Irish rugby supporters planning ahead for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia now know two things for certain: it will be expensive, and it will be early.

World Rugby has confirmed ticket prices and the full pool-stage schedule for the Rugby World Cup 2027, with all kick-off times listed in Australian local time. Once converted, Ireland’s pool fixtures translate into a run of early-morning starts for fans watching from home — and long, costly journeys for those travelling.

With Ireland drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay, the tournament is already beginning to take shape from an Irish perspective.

Ireland’s Pool Matches – Dates, Venues and Irish Kick-Off Times

Ireland’s three confirmed pool fixtures are spread across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. All times below are converted to Irish time (IST).

Fixture	Venue	Local Kick-Off (AUS)	Irish Time
Ireland v Portugal	Sydney Football Stadium	Mon 4 Oct – 17:15	08:15 (Ireland)
Argentina v Ireland	Brisbane Stadium	Mon 11 Oct – 18:45	09:45 (Ireland)
Ireland v Uruguay	Docklands Stadium, Melbourne	Sun 17 Oct – 14:45	05:45 (Ireland)

The takeaway for Irish fans is clear: this will be a tournament of early alarms and breakfast rugby, with all three pool games starting before 10am Irish time.

Ticket Prices – What Irish Fans Will Pay

Ticket prices are listed in Australian dollars and include GST. Converted approximately to euro, pool-stage prices fall into the following ranges:

Category A: €350–€370
Category B: €270–€290
Category C: €185–€205
Category D: €120–€135
Standing: €55–€65

Child tickets are available in all categories at reduced prices, making Australia 2027 slightly more family-friendly than recent tournaments — though overall costs remain significant.

Knockout Matches: Where Prices Rise Sharply

As expected, prices escalate dramatically once the tournament reaches the knockout phase, with matches concentrated in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

Quarter-finals: up to €520
Semi-finals: up to €700+
Final: up to €1,300+

For Irish fans hoping to follow Ireland deep into the tournament, a realistic ticket-only budget could exceed €2,000 before travel or accommodation is factored in.

The Travel Reality for Irish Supporters

Unlike France 2023, Australia 2027 is very much a destination World Cup.

Return flights from Ireland are expected to cost between €1,400 and €1,800
Internal flights are unavoidable, with venues spread thousands of kilometres apart
Accommodation prices are likely to spike around match weeks

This is a tournament that rewards early planning — and deep pockets — particularly for supporters aiming to attend more than one Ireland fixture.

Early Starts, Big Stakes

From an Irish viewing perspective, the early kick-off times may actually suit pubs, clubs and supporters’ groups, with morning games lending themselves to organised breakfasts and watch parties.

For travelling fans, the promise of packed stadiums, world-class facilities and a genuine chance to see Ireland contend at the sharp end of the tournament will outweigh the cost and logistics.

Either way, one thing is already clear: when Ireland take to the field in Australia in 2027, Irish fans will need to set the alarm.

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Why Matthew Devine Is Really Leaving Connacht

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:24:48 +0000

Why Matthew Devine Is Really Leaving Connacht

Connacht Rugby issued statement on Monday evening stating Matthew Devine was leaving, it leans heavily on “choice”, but professional rugby rarely works that way. For a scrum-half without consistent starts — and in the context of Connacht’s recent pathway calls — this outcome was always coming.

There is nothing factually incorrect in the statement issued by Connacht confirming that Matthew Devine will leave the province at the end of the season. But as club communications go, it places disproportionate emphasis on the player’s “choice”, while avoiding the broader context that made that decision close to inevitable.

We can confirm Matthew Devine has chosen not to extend his contract, and will leave Connacht Rugby at the end of the season.

While we are disappointed by his decision, we thank him for all his efforts during his time at the club. pic.twitter.com/6xjPDYvirf

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) February 2, 2026

Professional rugby careers are short and unforgiving. Players do not walk away from their home province lightly. More often, they move when opportunity narrows — and when the path ahead is clearer elsewhere than it is at home.

Scrum-halves don’t develop in the stand

Devine plays scrum-half, a position where continuity, trust and rhythm are essential. Unlike many roles, nine is not one you rotate casually. If you’re not starting regularly, or getting minutes your development stalls quickly. Game time is not a bonus; it is the job.

Signed, Sealed, Devine.

We’re thrilled to announce scrum-half Matthew Devine will join Ulster this summer on a one-year deal, keeping him with the province until at least 2027

https://t.co/qyIf36rDJV pic.twitter.com/0CWrfWBRtJ

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 2, 2026

So when a scrum-half finds himself outside the first/second choice picture, decisions about the future tend to follow with little drama. That reality explains this departure far more convincingly than any framing of a voluntary walk-away.

Put simply: a nine who isn’t playing will eventually go somewhere he can.

The wider context makes the statement harder to square

The timing and the squad picture only sharpen the point. There is growing expectation that Ben Murphy is Munster-bound at the end of the season, which would leave Caolin Blade as the only established senior scrum-half remaining at Connacht.

Two years ago, Kieran Marmion was not offered a long-term contract, with the rationale at the time being that his continued presence was blocking the pathway for younger, locally developed scrum-halves — most notably Devine and Colm Reilly.

Fast forward to now, and both of those players could be gone by the end of this season.

This isn’t about loyalty — it’s about minutes

That does not point to impatience or disloyalty on the part of the players. It points to a disconnect between stated pathway intent and selection reality. If the pathway was the priority, it has not been reflected consistently in game time.

This is not an argument about blame. Squad management is inherently ruthless. Coaches are paid to pick teams they believe will win. Provinces must juggle budgets, succession planning and short-term results. Players respond rationally to the information placed in front of them.

But honesty in communication still matters. Acknowledging that Devine is moving on to seek regular rugby elsewhere would not weaken Connacht’s position. It would align words with reality and respect supporters enough to tell them what they already understand: minutes drive careers, particularly at scrum-half.

The line that should have been in the statement

Matthew Devine is leaving Connacht because he wants to play.

That is ordinary. It is professional sport. And the statement would have been stronger for saying so.

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Romeo Coolio holds off Kargese in Goffs Arkle Chase

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:26:43 +0000

Romeo Coolio (4/9 favourite) won the third Grade 1 on Monday’s card, the Goffs Irish Arkle Chase.

Despite only three runners in the two-mile contest, it had a thrilling finish, with the Gordon Elliott-trained favourite just holding off Kargese (2/1) from the Willie Mullins yard.

Kargese, under Paul Townend, took the field around and was gaining at her jumps, with Romeo Coolio losing some lengths.

4-9F Romeo Coolio, for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Eliott, just held on at the line to repel a renewed effort from Kargese in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/4yiwTuCZ7H

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

The mare led into the home straight and it looked as though she was on her way to victory, as the Jack Kennedy-ridden favourite seemed to be struggling.

Romeo Coolio soon fought back, and took the lead, but the mare was not going to go down without a fight and battled all the way to the line, being denied by a neck at the winning post.

The outsider, Downmexicoway (22/1), under Seán O’Keeffe, was third all the way around and collected €15,000 for completing the course.

Jack Kennedy, Gordon Elliott and the winning connection react to Romeo Coolio's 'gutsy' victory in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/nnraYjmlam

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

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Willie Mullins wins opening two Grade 1s at Leopardstown

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:27:09 +0000

Willie Mullins won the opening two Grade 1 races on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday afternoon.

Doctor Steinberg gives Mullins opening Grade 1 success

The opening Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle got favourite backers off to a successful start as the even-money market leader, Doctor Steinberg, powered to an eight-length victory.

Ridden by Paul Townend, the six-year-old chestnut son of Doctor Dino asserted approaching the final flight of hurdles as the runner-up Kazansky failed to make an impression in the final furlong.

The second, ridden by Jack Kennedy for trainer Gordon Elliott, had a further six lengths to space over Love Me Tender, from the same yard as the winner, back in third.

Doctor Steinberg stayed superbly to land the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Good start to the day for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend returning as 7/4f

Watch live now on @rte2 and @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/LniOLJ8wrs

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

Narcisco Has takes Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle

Willie Mullins quickly doubled up in the second Grade 1 of the afternoon, the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle over two miles.

On paper, it looked like a rematch between Narcisco Has and Mange Tout, and much of the contest it looked like being so.

With Mark Walsh on the race favourite, Narcisco Has (evens favourite), the JP McManus-retained rider lead the field for most of the journey.

Jack Kennedy and Mange Tout, from the Gordon Elliot stable, remained prominent, while the eventual runner-up Selma De Vary (17/2) watched the action from towards the back of the pack.

With Narcisco Has asserting before the last hurdle, Selma De Very went second, while Mange Tout began to fade slightly.

The French-bred Narcisco Has stayed on strongly in the run in to claim the win from the Rich Ricci-owned Selma De Vary, with Mange Tout (15/8) crossing the line third.

Narciso Has (Evens) toughs it out in front in the Gannon's City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle to make it two from two for Willie Mullins. Mark Walsh in the saddle.

Watch live now on @rte2 and @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/mi7Y1EotQz

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026

Romeo Coolio holds off Kargese in Arkle thriller

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Brighterdaysahead lands Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:12:52 +0000

Brighterdaysahead (11/4) beat race favourite Lossiemouth (4/6) to win the Grade 1 Timeless Sash Windows Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, the Gigginstown House-owned seven-year-old daughter of Kapgarde tracked the race leader, El Fabiolo, for most of the race.

The Jack Kennedy-ridden Brighterdayshead then took the lead two furlongs from home. She was soon followed by odds-on favourite Lossiemouth, who had been in third position throughout.

Brighterdaysahead began to exert her dominance as she soon powered clear on entering the home straight.

Paul Townend was showing worrying signs on the Willie Mullins-handled Lossiemouth but kept on one-paced and failed to land a blow on the winner.

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD

The Irish Champion Hurdle goes the way of @gelliott_racing and @jackkennedy15.#DRF pic.twitter.com/VETq91vWqD

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

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Mark Walsh, JP McManus & Willie Mullins Grade 1 double

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:00:11 +0000

Mark Walsh, owner J.P. McManus and trainer Willie Mullins teamed up for a Grade 1 double at Leopardstown this afternoon.

Kaid D’authie wins Novice Chase

The French-bred Kaid D’authie took the Ladbrokes Novice Chase before Majborough completed the double an hour later in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

Kaid D’authie, winner of a beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse on New Years Day, stepped up to the highest level this afternoon to run out a four and a quarter length victor over Western Fold, with Final Demand a disappointing eight lengths further back in third.

The winner was positioned in second throughout most of the contest before taking the lead three out. The six-year-old gelded son of Choeur Du Nord was briefly challenged by the eventual runner-up, Western Fold, inside the final furlong. He stayed on well as the Gordon Elliott challenger ran on one-paced.

The disappointment of the race was the 30/100 favourite, Final Demand, the mount of Paul Townend. The Willie Mullins-handled son of Walk In The Park made no impression in the closing stages and was a well-beaten third.

The NEW kid on the block

Kaid d’Authie is much too good for his rivals in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase for Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh.

Final Demand trails in last of the finishers #DRF | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/6huUeQpWrV

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

Magical Majborough

Majborough (2/1) dominated the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase over two miles and one furlong as he completed the Walsh. McManus, Mullins Grade 1 double success.

Prominent from flag fall, the French-bred six-year-old son of Martinborough jumped well throughout the race before progressing clear two out.

The market leader Marine Nationale (5/4 favourite) chased the winner in vain in the home straight, but could not match the power and accuracy of the winner.

Majborough was a highly impressive 19-length winner, with the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale taking second by a head from Found A Fifty (10/1), ridden by Jack Kennedy.

Full replay and reaction: Willie Mullins hails Majborough as poetry in motion @LeopardstownRC | @Race_iQ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 1, 2026

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Mayo Too Strong for Dublin as Beirne Goal Seals Allianz Football League Division 1 Win

Garth Kenny — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:35:37 +0000

Mayo Too Strong for Dublin as Beirne Goal Seals Allianz Football League Division 1 Win

Mayo continued their perfect start to Division 1 of the Allianz Football League with a convincing 1-18 to 2-9 victory over Dublin, a margin that could have been even more emphatic with greater efficiency in front of goal.

Andy Moran’s side were on top for long periods at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, setting an early tempo and never allowing Dublin to fully settle. The decisive moment arrived nine minutes into the second half when teenage forward Darragh Beirne burst through the Dublin defence and finished clinically past Evan Comerford.

@MayoGAA senior football manager Andy Moran speaks to @grealisStevie following his team’s six point victory over Dublin in the national league this afternoon pic.twitter.com/BIvmAMTHrC

— Mid West Radio (@radiomidwest) February 1, 2026

Dublin’s challenge was undermined further by the dismissal of Seán McMahon shortly after the restart for an off-the-ball incident, while the first-half injury to influential midfielder Brian Howard also disrupted the visitors’ structure.

Mayo wasted little time asserting control. Sam Callinan and Fergal Boland split the posts inside the opening two minutes, before Dublin briefly swung momentum their way through a Luke Breathnach goal. Mayo responded calmly, however, with two-pointers from Ryan O’Donoghue and David McBrien pushing the hosts into a 0-7 to 1-2 lead by the 15-minute mark.

While the intensity dipped during the second quarter, Mayo remained composed and carried a two-point advantage into the break, leading 0-10 to 1-5 at half-time.

Any lingering doubt about the outcome was extinguished on 46 minutes when Beirne struck for goal, capping a fine individual display from the 19-year-old, who finished with 1-1 and could easily have added further goals.

Dublin briefly threatened a revival when Paddy Small found the net in the 53rd minute and Cormac Costello landed a two-pointer, but Mayo never looked in danger. The Connacht side finished the contest strongly, outscoring the visitors by four points in the second half to seal a thoroughly deserved win.

Scorers

Mayo: R O’Donoghue 0-5 (2p, 1f); D Beirne 1-1; D McBrien 0-3 (2p); S Callinan, F Boland 0-2 each; S Coen, J Carney, J Flynn, C McHale (f), D O’Connor 0-1 each.

Dublin: C Costello 0-5 (2p, 1f, 1 ‘45); P Small 1-1; L Breathnach 1-0; K McGinnis, J Lundy, S Bugler 0-1 each.

Teams

Mayo: R Hennelly; J Coyne, R Brickenden, E Hession; S Callinan, D McBrien, P Durcan; B Tuohy, J Flynn; S Coen, R O’Donoghue, J Carney; F Boland, J Carr, D Beirne.

Subs: A O’Shea for Durcan (44); D O’Connor for Carr (47); C McHale for Beirne (53); P Towey for Boland (62); D McHugh for Coen (64).

Dublin: E Comerford; D Byrne, S McMahon, C Tyrrell; N Doran, E Murchan, C O’Connor; E Dunne, B Howard; J Lundy, N Scully, K McGinnis; P Small, L Breathnach, C Costello.

Subs: C Kilkenny for Dunne (22); K Stephenson for McGinnis (24); S Bugler for Howard (31); L O’Dell for Lundy (52); G McEneaney for Breathnach (60); E Kennedy for Byrne (temporary, 67).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)

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Six Nations 2026 Betting Preview: Markets, Odds & Best Angles

JoeNa Connacht — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:26:18 +0000

Six Nations 2026 Betting Preview: Markets, Odds & Best Angles

Quick Take

France v Ireland: France 10/11 with a -13 handicap; Ireland 5/6 with +13. Draw 20/1.
Italy v Scotland: Italy 10/11 with +9; Scotland 10/11 with -9. Draw 20/1.
England v Wales: England 10/11 with -29; Wales 10/11 with +29. Draw 22/1.
Outright Winner: France 8/11; England 5/2; Ireland 6/1; Scotland 12/1; Wales 55/1; Italy 125/1.

Round 1 Match Betting (Handicaps)

France v Ireland (Thursday, 20:10)

Market: Handicap (1X2)

France (-13): 10/11
Draw (France -13): 20/1
Ireland (+13): 5/6

Betting read: The number is big for a Six Nations heavyweight clash, which tells you the market expects France to win by at least two scores. The value question isn’t “France to win” — it’s whether -13 is too high or whether Ireland’s disruption makes a late fade likely.

Angle: If you fancy Ireland +13, you’re backing a slow tempo, disciplined kick-exchange and a tight penalty count. If you fancy France -13, you’re backing scoreboard pressure and France’s ability to turn territory into points.

Italy v Scotland (Saturday, 14:10)

Italy (+9): 10/11
Draw (+9): 20/1
Scotland (-9): 10/11

Betting read: This is the tightest handicap of the opening set. Italy +9 is the “stay close at home” play; Scotland -9 needs them to finish properly rather than simply edge it.

Angle: If you like Scotland, consider waiting to see if they start slowly — live markets often offer a better entry.

England v Wales (Saturday, 16:40)

England (-29): 10/11
Draw (-29): 22/1
Wales (+29): 10/11

Betting read: A 29-point handicap is the bookies calling Wales fragile and England powerful. The only real danger for England -29 is a second-half cruise once the result is secure.

Angle: If you want England, live betting can protect you from the “job done at 55 minutes” problem.

Outrights & Season-Long Markets

Six Nations Winner

Team	Odds	Betting note
France	8/11	Short for a reason: best-rated side + big home games.
England	5/2	Ceiling is high; consistency is the risk.
Ireland	6/1	Price reflects uncertainty; needs early results to shorten.
Scotland	12/1	The “perfect run” ticket.
Wales	55/1	Market has them struggling badly.
Italy	125/1	Very unlikely — priced accordingly.

Grand Slam Winner

Selection	Odds	Betting note
No Winner	7/5	Usually the smart default — five straight wins is rare.
France	6/4	If anyone does it, the market says it’s them.
England	7/2	Needs momentum and discipline across all five rounds.
Ireland	14/1	A long shot given the opener and uncertainty.
Scotland	30/1	Needs everything to break right.
Wales	425/1	Effectively off the board.

Triple Crown Winner

Selection	Odds	Betting note
England	5/6	Market assumes they handle Wales/Scotland; Ireland is the swing game.
No Winner	13/5	Priced tightly; needs multiple upsets.
Ireland	7/2	Only works if Ireland beat England — that’s the gatekeeper.
Scotland	13/1	A “big season” punt.
Wales	125/1	Market basically says no chance.

Player Markets

Top Try Scorer (Each Way: 1/4 odds, 5 places)

Player	Odds	Betting note
Louis Bielle-Biarrey	8/5	Short favourite: France’s attack generates volume.
Dan Sheehan	4/1	Set-piece tries travel; if Ireland score, he’s central.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso	11/2	Needs England to click consistently.
Tommy Freeman	11/2	Same story: reliant on England’s rhythm.
Theo Attissogbe	7/1	France depth option if minutes stack up.
Gael Drean	15/2	Italy value if they produce tries rather than penalties.
Darcy Graham	9/1	Scotland form-dependent; needs a strong start.
Henry Arundell	9/1	Explosive, but relies on England creating space.

Six Nations Top Points Scorer

Player	Odds	Betting note
Thomas Ramos	4/7	Tees + France dominance = arithmetic bet.
George Ford	4/1	Live if England stay in the title hunt.
Finn Russell	5/1	Needs Scotland to win 3–4 games.
Sam Prendergast	11/1	Depends on starting role and full tee duties.
Harry Byrne	14/1	Minutes/role question makes it speculative.
Paolo Garbisi	22/1	Italy long shot: needs volume + tee share.

Player of the Championship

Player	Odds	Betting note
Antoine Dupont	3/1	Favourite for good reason — best player on best-rated side.
Dan Sheehan	11/2	Value if Ireland overperform and he racks up tries.
Finn Russell	15/2	Needs Scotland to be in the mix late.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey	15/2	Try-fest route if France dominate.
Henry Pollock	17/2	England candidate; requires standout impact across rounds.
Tommy Freeman	14/1	Big price; needs a signature tournament.
Thomas Ramos	14/1	Points machine; could drift into contention if France win it.
George Ford	16/1	Only if England win the title and he drives it.

Top Ireland Try Scorer (Each Way: 1/4 odds, 3 places)

Player	Odds	Betting note
Dan Sheehan	6/4	The “system” pick: lineout/maul and close-range.
Tommy O’Brien	11/2	Needs minutes and clean ball.
James Lowe	15/2	Value if fit and Ireland create width.
Jamie Osborne	9/1	Longer price; role-dependent.
Ronan Kelleher	10/1	Rotation risk, but hooks can land these markets.
Jacob Stockdale	13/1	Needs a finishing-heavy tournament.
Ciaran Frawley	14/1	Only if he’s a regular starter and gets opportunities.

Wooden Spoon

Team	Odds	Betting note
Wales	5/6	Market’s strongest opinion: Wales most likely to finish bottom.
Italy	11/10	The natural “save” bet if Wales nick a win.
Scotland	17/2	Only via disaster scenario.
Ireland	66/1	Effectively ruled out by the book.
England	100/1	Highly unlikely.
France	125/1	Not happening without chaos.

SportsNewsIRELAND Best Bets (From These Markets)

Best “Boring But Right”

Top Points Scorer: Thomas Ramos 4/7
Grand Slam: No Winner 7/5

Best Value Picks

Top Try Scorer (EW): Dan Sheehan 4/1 (each-way angle is the point)
Player of the Championship: Dan Sheehan 11/2 (if Ireland exceed expectations)

Round 1 Leans

France -13 (10/11) — the market is telling you Ireland’s disruption matters
Italy +9 (10/11) — home start in a game Scotland often win without blasting teams
England -29 (10/11) — strong lean, but better looked at in-play if England start slowly

Reminder: these are opinions, not guarantees. Stake smart and don’t chase steam just because a line has moved.

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