Connacht’s URC season feels like it’s hanging on a knife edge heading into this one.

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Three rounds into the 2026 Six Nations and the numbers are already shaping the storylines: France look the most clinical, Scotland the most efficient, England are living off territory, Ireland are still chasing precision, while Wales and Italy have quietly put up some fascinating underlying metrics.

50 Stats That Explain the First Three Rounds of the 2026 Six Nations

Below are 50 stats from the opening three rounds that show what’s working, what’s wobbling, and what might decide the championship run-in.

France: the benchmark (and the risk)

1. Total metres gained: France lead the tournament with 1,972m.
2. First-phase tries: France have scored 9, the most in the championship.
3. 22m efficiency: France convert 40.9% of 22m entries into tries.
4. Chip kicks: France lead with 11.
5. Box kicks: France have used 40, second only to Wales.
6. 50/22 success: France are one of only two teams with a successful 50/22.
7. Lineout errors: France have a perfect record with 0.
8. Maul-to-try: France are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
9. Early momentum: France have scored 3 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.
10. Turnovers conceded: France have conceded a tournament-high 59.

France look the most dangerous side in the competition — but that turnover count is the one number that can keep others in touching distance.

Ireland: pressure without polish

11. Scrum offences: Ireland have conceded the most with 12.
12. Lineout errors: Ireland lead the tournament with 3.
13. Tackle success: Ireland sit at 75.00%.
14. Turnovers conceded: Ireland have conceded 43.
15. Rucks won in opposition 22: Ireland have recorded 30.
16. 50/22 success: Ireland are one of the two teams to execute one successfully.
17. Restart retention: Ireland have retained 1 restart kick.
18. Early momentum: Ireland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

The underlying pressure is there for Ireland, but set-piece errors and scrum discipline are leaving points on the pitch.

Scotland: efficiency, accuracy, composure

19. Tackle success: Scotland lead the tournament at 85.22%.
20. Turnovers conceded: Scotland have conceded 32.
21. Maul-to-try: Scotland are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
22. Restart retention: Scotland lead with 2 retained restart kicks.
23. Chip kicks: Scotland have attempted 5.
24. Rucks won in opposition 22: Scotland have recorded 12.
25. Early momentum: Scotland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

Scotland aren’t topping every “power” category, but their efficiency stats are screaming “hard to beat”.

England: territory kings, ball security worries

26. Territorial kicking metres: England lead with 2,893m kicked.
27. Box kicks: England have used 26.
28. Tackle success: England sit at 79.06%.
29. Turnovers conceded: England have conceded 56.
30. Chip kicks: England have attempted 6.
31. Rucks won in opposition 22: England have recorded 14.
32. Early momentum: England have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

England are controlling where games are played — but that turnover figure is the red flag.

Wales: high work-rate, strong retention, blunt edge

33. Box kicks: Wales lead the tournament with 43.
34. Turnovers conceded: Wales are the best in the championship with just 26.
35. Rucks won in opposition 22: Wales lead with 33.
36. Tackle success: Wales sit at 76.37%.
37. Turnover profile: Wales have conceded 33 fewer turnovers than France (26 vs 59).
38. Territory approach: Wales are the most committed to contestable-kick pressure (box-kick volume No.1).
39. Red-zone presence: Wales have spent plenty of time in the 22 (rucks won No.1) but haven’t matched France’s conversion rate.
40. Ball security: Wales’ retention is better than every other nation after three rounds.

Wales’ numbers suggest a side that can build pressure and keep the ball — the missing piece is turning that work into tries.

Italy: competitive in spells, still chasing cutting edge

41. 22m efficiency: Italy convert just 16.7% of 22m entries into tries.
42. Tackle success: Italy sit at 78.86%.
43. Turnovers conceded: Italy have conceded 52.
44. Chip kicks: Italy have attempted 3 (lowest in the tournament table shown).
45. Rucks won in opposition 22: Italy have recorded 13.
46. Early momentum: Italy have scored 1 try inside the opening 10 minutes.

Italy’s defence is not miles off, but their 22m conversion number explains why strong periods aren’t becoming scoreboard pressure.

Set-piece & discipline: the hidden swing factors

47. Scrum discipline: Ireland have conceded the most scrum offences (12), while England and Wales are the most disciplined (5 each).
48. Maul strategy: England have attempted the most mauls (24), but only France and Scotland have converted a maul into a try.
49. Lineout accuracy: Ireland lead lineout offences (3), while France have made 0 lineout errors.
50. Defensive danger-zone penalties: Wales have conceded the most in defence (23), closely followed by England (22).

What the numbers really mean after three rounds

France have the most clinical attack, Scotland have the cleanest efficiency profile, England are living off territory, and Ireland’s underlying pressure is being undermined by set-piece and discipline issues.

But don’t ignore Wales and Italy. Wales are leading the tournament for red-zone rucks and ball retention — those are foundations you can build on quickly if the attack clicks. Italy’s conversion rate tells you exactly why they’re not turning competitiveness into wins.

Two rounds remain. If one side improves a single lever — France reducing turnovers, Ireland cleaning up scrum/lineout, or Wales sharpening 22m conversion — the table can still shift fast.

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A seat long in the making

Congress agenda: 25 motions, big implications

Simplified guide: what each motion is about

• • Motion 1: Changes how the five-year rule for county officers is calculated, including a proposed variation to the rule (Meath).

• • Motion 2: Add a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle by amending the composition of Central Council (Old Leighlin, Carlow).

• • Motion 3: Redefines “first club” by lowering the age grade from U12 to U10 (Kilteely-Dromkeen).

• • Motion 4: Alters an exception to the “one county per year” championship rule for U21 and younger where a player’s club has no team, allowing them to play with another club rather than an independent team (Kerry).

• • Motion 5: Proposes an inter-county eligibility restriction: to play senior inter-county championship, a player must have played eight club league/championship games the previous year (Clontarf).

• • Motion 6: Seeks to remove All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals; also proposes changes to the Joe McDonagh Cup format (Laois). (If this passes, Motion 18 won’t be heard.)

• • Motion 7: Fixes All-Ireland minor finals in Croke Park as curtain-raisers to the respective senior finals (Tempo Maguires).

• • Motion 8 (New Rule): Caps the senior inter-county playing season at 30 competitive weekends (31 if an All-Ireland final replay is required) (GPA).

• • Motion 9: Clarifies that match officials shall not be required to attend hearings or give oral evidence/cross-examination (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 10: Clarifies when an appealed decision takes effect — either after the appeal window ends, or after the appeal outcome is issued (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 11: Changes the threshold to call a club special general meeting to 10% of membership or 25 members (whichever is greater) (Castledaly).

• • Motion 12: Updates wording to allow for at least three female appointments on the Management Committee (Central Council).

• • Motion 13: Extends “Winner on the Day” to provincial football finals (currently All-Ireland finals go to replay after extra-time).

• • Motion 14: Moves All-Ireland finals back by two weeks (to on or before the 32nd Sunday of the year), prevents inter-county competitions before the 4th Sunday, and removes pre-season competitions; includes concessions for counties reaching All-Ireland finals.

• • Motion 15 (New Rule): Introduces a certification concept for counties to participate in senior inter-county competitions (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 16: Recasts/rewords an existing Amateur Status rule to state what can be done as well as what cannot be done (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 17: Addresses New York’s participation in inter-county championships and how that interacts with hurling groups, promotion and relegation.

• • Motion 18: Removes SHC preliminary quarter-finals (CCCC). (Will fall if Motion 6 passes.)

• • Motion 19: Brings dissent rules from football into hurling, with frees advanced 30 metres (rather than 50).

• • Motion 20: Begins a process to develop policy on the definition of a club, giving county committees scope to determine clubs within their counties.

• • Motion 21: Helps smaller rural clubs by allowing county committees to adjust outfield numbers to not below 11 (enabling 12-a-side).

• • Motion 22: Expands the composition of Development CCC and provides authority for annual operational reviews of U17-and-under competitions.

• • Motion 23: Extends Central Council powers to interpret codes as well as rules.

• • Motion 24: Enables counties to use an online system for club transfers.

• • Motion 25: Introduces Central Council guidelines on permanent residency for transfers/eligibility, allowing counties to apply criteria from those guidelines.

Why Motion 2 matters most for Rounders

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Andy Farrell’s Ireland side take on England in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday (Kick-off 2.10pm).

Caelan Doris will lead the Irish team for the Round 3 clash in the English capital, as Ireland bid to build on last Saturday’s defeat of Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

Back 3 unchanged

Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe are named in an unchanged back three.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield, while Munster’s Jack Crowley comes in at out-half to partner Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are selected in the front row. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are retained in the engine room. Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris will play in the back row.

Experienced Irish bench

Farrell has named an experienced bench with Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Finlay Bealham, Nick Timoney and Jack Conan making up the forward replacements.

The backs named in the Match Day 23 are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Tommy O’Brien.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash, Head Coach Andy Farrell admitted

“Games between the two sides have been nip and tuck over recent times and there’s great familiarity and respect across both camps. We know their strengths and our aim is to deliver the best version of ourselves to put us in a position to get the performance that we want.”

Live on RTÉ TV and Radio

Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and ITV, with live radio commentary available on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey,    11. James Lowe, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park.

1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan,
6. Tadhg Beirne, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).

Ireland Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Nick Timoney, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Tommy O’Brien.

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The Irishman posted an impressive score of 75.00 in the final run of the event. Lynch’s result marks one of the strongest Olympic performances by an Irish winter athlete to date.

Alex Ferreira of the United States won gold in the men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe competition with a score of 93.75. The US Olympian completed his Olympic medal set having previously won silver (2018) and bronze (2022). Silver went to Henry Sildaru from Estonia with a best score of 93.00, while Brendan Mackay of Canada claimed bronze with a 91.00 third run.

Lynch “couldn’t be more happy”

Reflecting on the significance of tonight’s result, Ben Lynch said:

“It feels really cool, especially because eight is my lucky number. My birthday is September 8th. I got eight stitches above my eyebrow here, so eight has always been my lucky number and the fact that I just got eight, the stars align.

“It definitely still feels surreal, but it’s sinking in a little bit. Yeah, it’s pretty cool because my last best result was 16, so I have that at the Olympics and couldn’t be more happy to be here.”

Pivotal third run

Lynch’s third run was his pivotal one, putting him right up the score board, as he explained:

“The third run, I was really nervous at the top. I felt very prepared, but obviously the nerves were on. My family’s here, everyone was watching, and I hadn’t landed my first two runs. But yeah, just tried really hard to focus on the run, not worry about the result, and I ended up landing it pretty much as good as I possibly could have, and I’m really, really excited.

“I think before this, I’d only gotten around the sixties in World Cups. It’s hard to get high scores in world level, world Cup level, but yeah, that’s the best score I’ve ever gotten. I also got down qualifier 75, so just so stoked.”

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Eleven combinations advanced to the tiebreaker, with the Irish representatives coming out in top over Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) jump-off course.

Irish 1-2

The 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding stopped the clock at 37.90 seconds with Wexford’s Bertram Allen right behind in 39.12 seconds riding Conquest de Rigo.

Taking third was Charlotte Jacobs (USA) in a time of 40.01 seconds riding North Star’s Playboy JT Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding.

Kenny delighted to be back in action

“I knew Bertram’s horse has a massive stride,” Kenny admitted. “He did seven [strides] from one to two. I wasn’t sure if I could do that, but it showed up for me. I think my horse is more experienced than his in jump-offs, so that’s probably where it got him,” said Kenny of his jump-off round with his 2025 European Championships partner Eddy Blue.

Kenny was officially cleared to return to international competition on 13 February after the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) lifted a provisional suspension issued on 13 October following a positive drug test during the FEI European Championships.

“This is my first week back – Bertram rode Eddy for me recently and did a fantastic job on him,” said the Irish Olympian. “The horse feels ready to go, and he was amazing today as he always is. I’m very lucky to have such a fantastic group of owners and staff who kept the horses in great shape. I was lucky Bertram was able to ride them for me – I’m very thankful to everybody who was involved in that.”

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The 29-year-old Van der Merwe’s move will be subject to the granting of a valid work permit.

Van der Merwe “excited and honoured”

Commenting on the news, van der Merwe said:

“I’m excited and honoured to be joining such a prestigious club, with such a proud rugby history. I want to finish the season strong with the Scarlets, before tackling this new challenge with Munster.”

The powerful South African marked his international debut with two tries against Georgia last summer.

He also helped the Springboks to the Rugby Championship title, featuring in the wins over New Zealand and Australia.

Debuted in PRO14 in 2018

From the province of Mpumalanga, van der Merwe played underage rugby with the Pumas before making the move to Cheetahs, where he made his PRO14 debut in 2018.

After winning the Currie Cup with Cheetahs in 2023, he joined Scarlets in 2024. His first season in Wales saw him named in the URC Elite XV alongside Craig Casey and Tom Farrell.

His strong form in 2024/25 earned an international call-up from Rassie Erasmus and he made his first three appearances for the Springboks last year.

He has made 38 appearances for the Scarlets since his debut in September 2024.

Costello welcomes new signing

Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said of the southern province’s newest signing:

“He has been one of the best hookers in the URC over the past two years resulting in a call up to the Springboks squad.

“He is an physical, abrasive hooker, very strong in the set-piece, excellent over the ball, and now has demonstrated his ability to perform at international level.”

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After all, this is the country that birthed legendary athletes such as Kevin McHale, Connor McGregor, Finn Balor, Mickey Ward, and Danica Patrick and they have represented The Emerald Isle with exceptional prestige in their respective areas. Indeed, this kind of passion for competition serves as a testament to the respect that the Irish possess for sports overall.

However, there really is no comparison when it comes to the popularity of soccer in the Island of Ireland, especially when going by online live betting platforms. Obviously soccer is popular all over the world but it has a special p[lace in Ireland and these could be the reasons why!

A rich history

It bears mentioning that Ireland has a grand history of the sport because as mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of superior athletes from the Emerald Isle. And one of the most celebrated is also a legend in the sport itself: none other than winger George Best. Best had the fundamentals covered and was responsible for many incredible plays that players of the sport base their moves off today.

It would continue on during the primes of other legends like Roy Keane and Paul McGrath, all representing the exceptional ability of the Irish when it comes to running and kicking on the pitch. This is why sports pubs were filled with players and they would wager with one another whenever their teams had match days, preceding online live betting on online websites like the betway app when it comes to market traffic. These pubs would also usually turn host to soccer commentaries from many other patrons, which isn’t too far from what platforms like betway would provide its audience.

The excitement of soccer

Today, most Irish fans turn to mobile live betting platforms to find updates about match day games. The production of odds are results of projections and various commentaries that come from the pubs while the bets become easier to make through live betting platforms. Since football is a dynamic sport, odds can shift easily, especially in live betting. Suddenly, every turn and change happening in the game can be wagered on!

For the betting Irishman, the excitement never stops whenever they want to try on higher stakes and higher rewards. Fortunately, technology enhances live betting and poses a richer challenge to take on. Every tactical shift, injury, or red card creates a ripple effect in the live markets, allowing fans to leverage their understanding in real-time. Since these odds change every so often, winning the bet is not as cut and dry compared to the traditional way. But overcoming these odds grant lucrative rewards to the bettors!

Irish luck is always tested come soccer match days which is why live betting platforms have a regular resurgence. Fortunately, they can find out the numbers behind the luck embedded in these establishments.

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After 61 resolutions were passed during the GAA Special Congress at Croke Park, several structural modifications that were tested have now become part of the Official Guide. New rules for kick-outs and a new disciplinary system to deal with unscrupulous play and officiating standards are at the heart of these changes.

Jim Gavin leads the Football Review Committee (FRC), which made these revisions based on a lot of research. The major goal, as stated in official GAA publications, is to lengthen the “arc of play” and keep the ball moving for longer periods of time during competitive games.

The Intersection of Sporting Integrity and Digital Entertainment

The addition of these exact field lines and scoring zones has added a new level of statistical detail to the game, which is part of a larger change in how Irish people watch sports. The GAA is using more technology-based solutions, such as improved performance tracking and centralized match timing.

Simultaneously, the growth of high-quality digital services has changed how Irish fans interact with the sport. With the introduction of the 40-metre arc making high-scoring comebacks more likely, fans are engaging with the game in real-time. Many utilize sportsbooks and online platforms, such as Spin Casino Ireland, to follow live odds and place bets on whether a player will opt for the risky two-point attempt or a safer play. This move toward a digital-first strategy ensures that people all around the country can access information on rule changes and match data immediately

Enhanced Disciplinary Measures for Cynical Behavior

The 2026 season has stronger “Category II” punishments for transgressions. Intentional jersey-pulling to prevent a goal is now a black card violation. The offending player now receives a 10-minute sin-bin and the attacking side receives a penalty, a provision that has been expanded from inter-county senior grade to all club competitions.

Also, the GAA has established the “Solo and Go” for fouled players. If they are not inside the opposition’s 20-metre line, the fouled player or a nearby teammate can toe-tap the ball and immediately go forward to continue play. An opponent interfering with a “Solo and Go” within the four-metre protected zone is penalized by the referee advancing the ball 50 metres.

Official Pitch Markings and the 40-Metre Arc

Gaelic Football pitches have been modified to accommodate 2026 scoring and kick-out rules. All official pitches must have a 40-meter semi-circle arc in the goal line. This arc defines genuine kick-outs and the new two-point scoring restriction.

At least one foot on or outside the 40-meter arc counts as two points for play or free kicks. The score umpire waves an orange flag, and the referee lifts both arms over their heads. This correction is precise. A converted “45” is worth one point regardless of where it is kicked.

Managing Dissent and Sideline Conduct

In 2026, team officials and players-match officials are increasingly important. The new “disruptive conduct” rules provide the opposite team a 13-meter free kick if a team official verbally insults or enters the pitch without authorization. This will open the next quarter with the 13-meter free if it happens before or during halftime.

The team captain’s role is also explained in the Official Guide. The captain or his deputy (if the captain is out) can request further information regarding a referee’s call. This communication requires a game pause. Any player who challenges a ruling with an official risks a 50-meter penalty.

The Clock and Hooter System Integration

All Allianz Football League Division 1 and 2 matches and Senior Football Championship events must use the clock and hooter system after successful testing. This method eliminates the referee’s option to add time to halves by ending matches immediately after the hooter unless the ball is in flight or a free-kick/penalty is due.

The GAA has acknowledged that while the hooter system is the target for all grounds, its immediate implementation at lower club levels may be phased due to infrastructure requirements. However, in any venue where the technology is currently installed and operational, such as major county grounds, its use is officially required under the 2026 rules to ensure maximum transparency regarding match duration.

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Playing their 771st test match, and their 39th with Italy since the first meeting of the nations at Lansdowne Road on 31 December 1988, Andy Farrell’s side just held on for the home win.

On an historic day for rugby, Scottish referee Hollie Davidson became the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match.

In a rather disappointing first half from an Irish viewpoint, the hosts found themselves behind after 40 minutes.

An early Irish opportunity was spurned as Dan Sheehan attempted to leap over the Italian defence from a standing start. The Italians stood up, as though they expected the move, and blew the Irish hooker back into the ground.

Lynagh sent to sin bin

Italian winger Louis Lynagh, son of Australian rugby legend Michael, was yellow carded for what referee Hollie Davidson adjudged to be a deliberate knock on. The Scottish official consulted the TMO, and on viewing the screen, immediately made the decision to sin bin the Italian number 14.

A number of unforced errors from Ireland saw the home side lose possession in the opening quarter – much to the frustration of fans in the stands.

On the positive side, dangerous and effective runs from James Lowe on one wing and Robert Baloucoune on the opposite helped Ireland make field progress.

Osborne Try

It took 17 minutes of the game before either of the try-scoring lines was breached. Ireland, with the advantage of a man, made the most of their numerical superiority, with fullback Jamie Osborne given the easy task of touching down, as the Italian defensive line was stretched.

Sam Prendergast missed the conversion attempt which followed. Though positioned just left of the posts, the kicker miscued and saw his effort drift harmlessly left of the posts.

𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐄 𝐎𝐒𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄!

Ireland strike first at the Aviva!

Ireland 5-0 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/sIvCo6hLRp

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

Garbisi penalty

The Italians soon reduced the deficit as Paolo Garbisi slotted over a penalty attempt. By that stage the visitors must have been satisfied to be only two points behind the Irish, despite the loss of a man for ten minutes.

Yellow card for Craig Casey

On 32 minutes Craig Casey was yellow carded for foul play. With the Munster player remaining upright in the tackle, he was deemed guilty of dangerous play and Ireland were reduced to 14 men.

Italy made the home side immediately pay for their yellow card. Winning a lineout, the Azzurri drove Ireland back over their own defensive line, and hooker Giacomo Nicotera of Stade Francais dived over the line for a try.

Paolo Garbisi maintained his 100% kicking record on the day, as he successfully slotted over his second kick of the afternoon.

Half-time: Ireland 5 Italy 10

Ireland began the second half at pace. Tadhg Furlong replaced Tom Clarkson in green. Soon Andy Farrell made more changes as the fresh players immediately had an effect across the field.

Conan’s early second-half try

With the the Irish winning the lineout, Ireland drove for the Italian line. Powerhouses  Caelan Doris and Jack Conan added strength from the back of the maul, as the Number 8 touched down for the opening score of the second period

Unfortunately for Ireland, Sam Prendergast again missed the kick at the posts – his second miss of the game to that stage.

𝐖𝐄’𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋!

Great start to the second half

Ireland 5-10 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/RwzlEpZQXI

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

Baloucoune try on Six Nations debut

Rob Baloucoune, later named Man of the Match, put the hosts back into the lead as the game approached the final quarter. The Ulster winger, with options to pass, showed great self-confidence on his Six Nations debut, as he ran and then stretched out for the line.

𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐄!

What a way to start your Six Nation’s debut!

Ireland 17-10 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/iUqZt9rbyi

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

With Jack Crowley now playing at 10, the Munster man kicked the conversion attempt which followed, and Andy Farrell’s men moved into a 17-10 lead.

Crowley soon made it a two-score game as he dissected the posts with his first penalty attempt of the game. In a match of swinging fortunes, Italy were next to score, as Garbisi kicked his second penalty of the fixture.

In an anxious final few minutes of the game, Italy were camped on the Irish line until a relieving interception from James Lowe reduced the pressure on the Irish defence.

Lowe’s pace of old was evident as he raced down the field, giving Ireland one last chance of achieving a bonus-point try, with the clock well past 80 minutes.

Jack Crowley, aiming for the touchline, misjudged his kick which went too far, and brought a sudden end to the game, giving Ireland their first Guinness Six Nations win of the 2026 season.

Final score: Ireland 20  Italy 13

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Craig Casey.

1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Caelan Doris (captain), 8. Jack Conan.

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Edwin Edogbo, 20. Tadhg Beirne, 21. Nick Timoney, 22. Jamison Gibson-Park, 23. Jack Crowley.

Italy Team

15. Lorenzo Pani, 14. Louis Lynagh, 13. Leonardo Marin, 12. Tommaso Menoncello, 11. Monty Ioane, 10. Paolo Garbisi, 9. Alessandro Fusco.

1. Danilo Fischetti, 2. Giacomo Nicotera, 3. Simone Ferrari, 4. Niccolo Cannone, 5. Andrea Zambonin, 6. Michele Lamaro (captain), 7. Manuel Zuliani, 8. Lorenzo Cannone.

Italy Replacements

16. Tommaso di Bartolomeo, 17. Mirco Spagnolo, 18. Muhamed Hasa, 19. Federico Ruzza, 20. Riccardo Favretto, 21. David Odiase, 22. Alessandro ‌Garbisi, 23. Paolo Odogwu.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

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