Ireland to face England in Women's Six Nations opener
Ireland face the toughest possible start to next year's Guinness Women's Six Nations, with Scott Bemand's side away to England in the opening round.
The fixture list for the 2026 championship has been confirmed, with organisers rejigging the layout of games, while they have also pushed the championship back by three weeks.
In previous seasons, the Women's Six Nations has immediately followed the men's championship, but the 2026 championship will now get under way on Saturday, 11 April.
Additionally, all games will now take place on the same day as each other, with the first four rounds of games all set for Saturdays, while the final round will be a 'Super Sunday', on 17 May.
Ireland face a tough start to their 2026 campaign, with away games against England and France among their opening three fixtures.
They'll face England away from home in their opener on 11 April, with a 2.25pm kick-off at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, before hosting Italy on 18 April at 5.40pm.
In round three, Bemand's side are away to France, with a late kick-off at 8.10pm Irish time on 25 April.
After a fallow weekend, Ireland finish their championship with home games against Wales and Scotland, hosting Wales at 6.30pm on Saturday 9 May, before a 2.30pm start against the Scots on Sunday 17 May.
The venues for Ireland's home games, and their away trip to France, are yet to be confirmed.
2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations fixtures:
England v Ireland; 11 April, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Ireland v Italy; 18 April, Venue TBC
France v Ireland, 25 April, Venue TBC
Ireland v Wales, 9 May, Venue TBC
Ireland v Scotland, 17 May, Venue TBC
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