🗓️ Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
🕒 Kick-off: 14:10 GMT
🏟️ Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
🎟️ Tickets: Available via the RFU
📺 How to Watch: Live on ITV (UK) - more TV info here.
Two of rugby’s fiercest rivals meet in Round 3 of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations as England host Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in London. With both sides harbouring title ambitions, this clash could prove pivotal in shaping the Championship. Expect fireworks, physicality, and no shortage of tactical intrigue as two proud rugby nations collide in front of a packed crowd.
Players to look out for
Not one Irish player topped the stats charts in the 2025 Championship - except one, and it wasn't the sort of category you want to top. Fly-half Sam Prendergast may have made the most missed tackles (18), but such is the promise of the young Leinsterman that one shouldn't read too much into this.
Ollie Chessum made the most lineout steals (2) and Alex Mitchell made the most kicks in play (69 - 13 more than the next man) during the 2025 tournament. The latter is the most revealing stat, showing England's aerial pressure and territory-driven game plan, which they'll no doubt look to deploy against the Irish in 2026.
England v Ireland – Rivalry in Numbers
One of the oldest and most storied rivalries in international rugby, England and Ireland first met in 1875 at The Oval. Since then, they’ve contested 143 Test matches, with England winning 81, Ireland 54, and 8 ending in a draw.
Heading to the match?
Here's our handy travel guide to navigating the big city on match weekend!
Millennium Trophy
Since 1988, the fixture has also carried the weight of the Millennium Trophy, introduced during Dublin’s millennial celebrations. The trophy, shaped like a Viking helmet, is awarded annually to the winner of this Six Nations clash. As of 2025, England have won it 21 times, Ireland 17, with Ireland currently holding the trophy after a 27–22 win in Dublin.
Recent Form
Since rugby turned professional in 1995, the rivalry has tightened considerably. In the 35 meetings since then, England have won 19, Ireland 16 - a near-even split that reflects the competitive edge of modern encounters.
Home Advantage
In England: 71 matches – England 48 wins, Ireland 19, Draws 4
In Ireland: 72 matches – Ireland 35 wins, England 33, Draws 4
Total points scored: England 1,785; Ireland 1,341