England v Ireland: What time is kick-off and what TV channel is it on?

Everything you need to know about Irish rugby team’s third match of the 2026 Six Nations

Garry Ringrose of Ireland embraces team-mate Ronan Kelleher. Photograph: Evan Treacy/Getty
Garry Ringrose of Ireland embraces team-mate Ronan Kelleher. Photograph: Evan Treacy/Getty

Who is playing, when and where?

Ireland are playing England at Twickenham in the third round of the Six Nations. Kick-off is at 2.10pm on Saturday.

How can I watch it?

You can watch the game on RTÉ2, where coverage kicks off at 1pm, or in the UK you can watch the game on ITV. You can also follow live coverage on The Irish Times website.

Did Ireland restore confidence ahead of Twickenham showdown?

Listen | 31:24

Who else is playing in the third round?

Wales are playing Scotland at 4.40pm on Saturday at the Principality Stadium (live in Virgin Media, BBC), then France are playing Italy at 3.10pm on Sunday at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille (live on RTÉ, ITV)

What does the table look like?

France lead the standings on 10 points after two games with two comprehensive victories. Then it gets tight, with four teams having won one and lost one. Scotland are on six, England and Italy are on five and Ireland are fifth on four points after failing to get bonus points in either game. Wales are bottom of the table on zero points.

Last five meetings

Ireland 27 England 22, Aviva Stadium, 2025 Six Nations

England 23 Ireland 22, Twickenham, 2024 Six Nations

Ireland 29 England 10, Aviva Stadium, 2023 World Cup warm-up

Ireland 29 England 16, Aviva Stadium, 2023 Six Nations

England 15 Ireland 32, Twickenham, 2022 Six Nations

Jack Crowley brought tempo as Ireland were rescued against Italy by their benchOpens in new window ]

What is the team news?

Andy Farrell has made five changes to the side that beat Italy last weekend, while England head coach Steve Borthwick has gone for three swaps after their loss to Scotland in round two.

Here’s how the two sides will line-out...

ENGLAND: Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, Ollie ‌Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ellis ​Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes; Maro Itoje (capt), Ollie Chessum; Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Henry Pollock.

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith.

IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Finlay Bealham, Nick Timoney, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Tommy O’Brien.

What are Ireland’s chances?

It will be a tough ask to win at Twickenham to a previously in-form England, but a defeat to Scotland showed they are not without flaws. Ireland will have to somehow rediscover the form of last year and avoid big errors against a strong English side who will look to reignite their title hopes in front of a home crowd.

Andy Farrell praises Ireland’s resilience as they overcome ItalyOpens in new window ]

  • Join our dedicated Rugby WhatsApp channel for all the action

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for The Counter Ruck rugby digest to read Gerry Thornley’s weekly view from the press box

David Gorman

David Gorman

David Gorman is a sports journalist with The Irish Times