Ireland to Host England in 2027 Six Nations Opener & Finale Under Lights
DUBLIN, Monday, March 9, 2026 – Ireland will begin and end the 2027 Six Nations Championship with home night fixtures against England and France, respectively. Andy Farrell’s squad will play three of their five matches under lights, including both games at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The tournament kicks off on Friday, February 5th, 2027, with Ireland hosting England at 8:10 PM. The championship concludes on Saturday, March 13th, 2027, with a potentially decisive match against France, also at 8:10 PM, and will be broadcast live on RTÉ. Ireland also has a Friday night match scheduled against Scotland at Murrayfield on March 3rd.
Ireland Sets Stage for Electrifying 2027 Six Nations Campaign with Nighttime Kickoffs
Ireland’s ambitions for the 2027 Six Nations are already taking shape, with the announcement of a schedule featuring three primetime fixtures, including both home matches in Dublin.
A Championship Launch Under the Lights
The Irish will kick off their 2027 Six Nations journey against England on Friday, February 5th, at the Aviva Stadium with an 8:10 PM kickoff. The championship will culminate with another Friday night showdown at the Aviva Stadium, as France visit on March 13th, also at 8:10 PM. This strategic scheduling aims to maximize viewership and create an electric atmosphere for these crucial encounters.
Strategic Scheduling and Broadcast Plans
Andy Farrell’s squad, currently vying for a Triple Crown and championship glory in the 2026 tournament, will benefit from the home advantage of two Friday night games. Italy will host Ireland on Saturday, February 13th, at 2:10 PM, broadcast live on RTÉ television. A trip to Wales follows on February 20th, also with a 2:10 PM start.
Pro Tip: Primetime slots are increasingly valuable in rugby, mirroring trends in other major sports like American football and soccer, where evening games consistently draw larger television audiences and enhance the overall fan experience.
Murrayfield Challenge and RTÉ Coverage
Ireland’s fourth match sees them travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland on Friday, March 3rd, at 8:10 PM, again live on RTÉ. The scheduling reflects a broader trend of prioritizing broadcast-friendly timeslots to reach wider audiences. The 2027 Six Nations promises extensive coverage on RTÉ, with live broadcasts and comprehensive digital content.
Super Saturday Showdown and Championship Implications
The final round of matches, dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ on March 13th, will feature Italy versus Wales at 2:10 PM and England versus Scotland at 4:40 PM. However, all eyes will be on Dublin for the concluding match between Ireland and France, a game that could very well decide the championship winner.
The Rise of Friday Night Rugby
The increasing number of Friday night fixtures in the Six Nations is a clear indication of the tournament’s evolution. This shift caters to modern viewing habits and provides a dedicated slot for rugby fans to begin their weekend. Similar strategies have been successfully implemented in other leagues, such as the English Premiership, where Friday night games have grow a staple.
Did you know? The 2026 Six Nations saw Ireland achieve their biggest ever win at Twickenham, defeating England 42-21, reigniting their championship hopes.
2027 Six Nations Schedule at a Glance
Round 1
Friday, 5 February
8.10pm Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium
Round 2
Saturday, 13 February
2.10pm Italy v Ireland, Stadio Olimpico (live on RTÉ)
Round 3
Saturday, 20 February
2.10pm, Wales v Ireland, Principality Stadium
Round 4
Friday, 5 March
8.10pm, Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield (live on RTÉ)
Round 5
Saturday, 13 March
8.10pm, Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ)
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch Ireland v Scotland?
A: The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ television and available via live blog on the RTÉ News app and rte.ie/sport.
Q: What time is the Italy vs. Ireland match?
A: The match kicks off at 2:10 PM on Saturday, February 13th.
Q: Will all of Ireland’s matches be televised?
A: Yes, Ireland’s matches against Italy and Scotland will be live on RTÉ.
Stay tuned to RTÉ for comprehensive coverage of the 2027 Six Nations, including live blogs, podcasts, and expert analysis. Don’t miss a moment of the action as Ireland chases championship glory!