The Ireland national team hosts Italy in Dublin as part of the second round of the 2026 Six Nations tournament. The hosts, under Andy Farrell's leadership, aim to erase the bitter memory of a heavy defeat to France in Paris. Meanwhile, the Italians, buoyed by a historic victory over Scotland, face an opportunity to secure their first-ever win at Aviva Stadium. The match will be officiated by Hollie Davidson, the first woman to serve as head referee in the history of these competitions.

Historic Referee Role

Scottish referee Hollie Davidson makes history as the first woman to officiate a match in the men's Six Nations Cup.

Revolution in Ireland's Lineup

Andy Farrell made six changes to the starting fifteen, giving debut opportunities to players such as Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu.

Italian Confidence

The Italy national team arrives in Dublin after a victory over Scotland, aiming for their first-ever win at Aviva Stadium.

The Ireland national team approaches the match against Italy in far from optimistic spirits after a humiliating 14-36 defeat to France in the opening round of this year's edition of the Six Nations Cup. Head coach Andy Farrell has taken bold steps, making as many as six changes to the starting lineup. Ulster players, winger Robert Baloucoune and flanker Cormac Izuchukwu, will make their tournament debuts. Debutant Edwin Edogbo will also be on the bench, signaling a desire to refresh the squad amid criticism of overly conservative selection policies in recent months. The Six Nations Cup evolved from the original Home Nations Championship, inaugurated in 1883. Italy joined the elite group only in 2000, since when the tournament has borne its current name. The Italian team, led by Gonzalo Quesada, arrives in Dublin with unprecedented confidence. Their victory over Scotland in Rome proved that the Azzurri are no longer just point providers. Ireland's captain, Caelan Doris, has openly called on his teammates to take greater responsibility for their play, emphasizing that the team cannot afford to have "passengers" on the field. Historically, Italy has never won a tournament match in Dublin, but the current form of both teams suggests that Sunday's clash could be much more evenly contested than archival statistics indicate. The officiating of this match will make history in world sports. Hollie Davidson from Scotland will become the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations Cup match as the head official. This choice has been met with enthusiastic reception from fans gathered at Aviva Stadium. Ireland needs a convincing victory to return to the fight for defending titles won in 2023 and 2024, while for Italy, any points gained in the Irish capital will be a milestone in the development of their national program. „We cannot afford any passengers in the team. Each of us must take individual responsibility for what happens on the field if we want to win again.” — Caelan Doris Recent First-Round Matches: France 36:14 Ireland; Italy 24:21 Scotland 6 — changes made by Andy Farrell to the Ireland lineup before the match Point Balance in the First Round: Points Scored: Ireland: 14 → Italy: 24; Points Conceded: Ireland: 36 → Italy: 21

Mentioned People

  • Andy Farrell — Head coach of the Ireland national rugby union team.
  • Caelan Doris — Captain of the Ireland national rugby union team.
  • Hollie Davidson — Rugby union referee, the first woman to officiate a men's Six Nations match as head referee.