Ireland v England LIVE: Six Nations score and updates as Gibson-Park hits back for hosts

Ireland begin their bid for a historic third consecutive Six Nations crown as they face England, who denied them a grand slam last year, in Dublin.

The final match of the opening weekend of the tournament may just prove its most consequential, with Ireland attempting an unprecedented feat and England desperate to rebound from a difficult autumn. The hosts are under the direction of interim coach Simon Easterby while Andy Farrell prepares to take charge of the British and Irish Lions. The temporary boss has made a huge call at fly half, installing youngster Sam Prendergast as his chief playmaker after an impressive autumn.

Their Twickenham win over Ireland remains the high water mark of England under Borthwick, and their last victory over a side other than Japan. the head coach has also been bold in selection with Ben Curry joining twin brother Tom in the starting back row for the first time at international level. Maro Itoje is the new England captain and leads the visitors as they look to engineer a tournament-tilting triumph.

Follow all of the latest updates from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:

Ireland vs England LIVE

• Ireland host England in Dublin as the opening weekend of the Six Nations concludes | Live on ITV

• Ireland are hunting an unprecedented third title in a row

• Steve Borthwick’s side denied their hosts a grand slam last year but have been short of success since

PENALTY! Ireland 5-10 England (Marcus Smith, 40 mins)

17:35 , Luke Baker

It’s bang in front of the posts and Marcus Smith makes no mistake.

England will have a five-point lead at the break

Ireland 5-7 England, 39 mins

17:34 , Luke Baker

Great break by Earl, who drifts and then steps into a flat Smith pass and floats into a hole. Superb play.

England into the 22 and win the penalty. Three points upcoming before half-time?

Ireland 5-7 England, 38 mins

17:32 , Luke Baker

Marcus Smith back from the sin-bin so it’s 15 vs 15. In the final knocking of his absence, England conceded.

Joe Heyes on for Will Stuart in the front row for England. Looks like Stuart’s smart mouthguard went off, signalling a hit over the allowed threshold, prompting a concussion check

TRY! Ireland 5-7 England (Jamison Gibson-Park, 35 mins)

17:28 , Luke Baker

But as I say that, there is the try! Alex Mitchell won’t want to see this again. He misses a one on one tackle with Lowe who makes good ground down the left.

He draws another defender and passes inside to the supporting Jamison Gibson-Park, who produces a stunning step to cut inside his man and slide over the line. Lovely try.

Prendergast misses the very makeable conversion though so England still lead.

Ireland 0-7 England, 34 mins

17:26 , Luke Baker

The English work-rate in defence is superb. Another Ireland mistake as Kelleher’s pass hits the deck as England aggressively push up.

They haven’t taken advantage of the extra man and Smith will be back on shortly.

England’s new-look defence hanging tough

17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

England are hanging in there defensively – just about. The sight of both Ben Curry and Maro Itoje having their leg muscles seen to reflects just how hard they are having to work to stay with Ireland, who are beginning to find their flow in phase play.

The hosts remain without a score, though, which will very much please visiting defence coach Joe El-Abd after a paring back of the blitz system.

Ireland 0-7 England, 32 mins

17:24 , Luke Baker

Ireland with a short lineout routine and Kelleher sneaks down the blindside. England then give away the penalty. Good position for Ireland here

Ireland 0-7 England, 31 mins

17:23 , Luke Baker

Poor lineout from Cowan-Dickie – overthrown and Ireland claim it. They surge forward and are up to the 22 with a line-break – Aki to Prendergast wrapping around Sexton-style and then Ringrose.

Quick ball takes them to the right but another error as they knock on in contact and England have it back. More gutsy defence – Ireland need more composure in these good positions.

Ireland 0-7 England, 30 mins

17:20 , Luke Baker

Another big moment for England as Tom Curry works hard at the breakdown after a Lawrence tackle on Hansen. Penalty win on his own 22 and celebrations from the 14 men.

They’re battling hard here. A bit of relief as the kick clear is up to halfway.

Ireland 0-7 England, 27 mins

17:18 , Luke Baker

Ireland kick to the corner but 14-man England then win the turnover as Ryan is pinged for being in front of the runner and obstructing.

That’s not a great kick clear though. Lineout on their own 22 for England. Cleanly won and then they exit better as they get up to halfway

SIN-BIN! Ireland 0-7 England, 25 mins

17:16 , Luke Baker

Great break through the line by Hansen and he offloads to Baird to power forward for more metres.

England are in desperation mode and Marcus Smith cynically slows things down and gets sin-binned for his troubles. England down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes.

Ireland 0-7 England, 24 mins

17:15 , Luke Baker

Good work over the ball by Beirne, get hands on it and wins the turnover. England too slow to react at the breakdown.

Prendergast finds touch in the England half and Ireland build from the lineout – throwing over the top to Aki.

Ireland 0-7 England, 23 mins

17:13 , Luke Baker

England sharp at the lineout but a fairly aimless Mitchell kick is right down the throat of Lowe. His mammoth left boot thumps clear to England’s 22.

Decent return by Steward but a bit more kick tennis ends with Keenan finding touch on halfway. It’s still pretty cagey stuff as you might expect.

England will be happy with how they’ve acquitted themselves on hostile ground so far.

Ireland 0-7 England, 21 mins

17:10 , Luke Baker

England on the attack again and Freeman has a bit of space on the right. Desperate tap tackle from Aki slows him down before Keenan completes the job and Freeman’s kick goes into touch.

Ireland will have the lineout in their own 22

Ireland 0-7 England, 18 mins

17:08 , Luke Baker

Good news for Ireland. Mack Hansen is back on – turns out it was a blood reversal. He was limping though, so we’ll see how he goes.

NO TRY! Ireland 0-7 England

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium

The first truly pivotal intervention of Maro Itoje’s England captaincy. His manner wasn’t perhaps ideal, but the lock was immediately screaming at Ben O’Keeffe after the try was scored having known that he had been held by an Irish player off their feet. Once it went to the TMO, there was only going to be one decision – England get out of a bit of bother unscathed.

NO TRY! Ireland 0-7 England

17:04 , Luke Baker

Tap and go again. First surge is stopped but Ronan Kelleher picks up and dives through a big hole for the try! Nicely done by Ireland.

Simple conversion upcoming for Prendergast but we’ve got a TMO check…

Wow – it’s been disallowed! Itoje was having his leg held at the ruck by Beirne, who was on the floor, stopping him getting away and making the tackle, so it’s a penalty to England. That was the correct call.

Ireland 0-7 England, 16 mins

17:03 , Luke Baker

Ireland spread the ball but England force them 15 metres out. Another penalty and yellow cards can’t be far away.

Yep, referee Ben O’Keefe warns England skipper Maro Itoje that the next penalty will be a sin-bin. Tough ask for England to keep Ireland out now.

Ireland 0-7 England, 15 mins

17:01 , Luke Baker

Lineout secured and Ireland are five metres out. Lowe has a dart at a great angle and almost wriggles to the line. Back for another penalty for offside.

Ireland tap and go with Kelleher going first

Ireland 0-0 England, 12 mins

16:59 , Luke Baker

First scrum of the day on the England 22 and Ireland are pressured but win it with the put-in. Out to the backs and Keenan darts to the 22.

England give away the penalty and Ireland kick to the corner. Big call!

TRY! Ireland 0-7 England (Cadan Murley, 9 mins)

16:57 , Luke Baker

That’s a way to mark your international debut! Less than 10 minutes in and Cadan Murley has a try!

It’s brilliant by Slade as he slides a kick through, past Van der Flier, it bounces beyond Keenan and Murley dives on it to score in the corner.

Great conversion by Smith from the touchline and England lead in Dublin.

Ireland 0-0 England, 8 mins

16:55 , Luke Baker

Captain Itoje with a carry on halfway before Mitchell launches a box-kick. It bounces off Lowe but Irish hands claim it.

England come again and Lawrence weaves between two tackles before Mitchell takes England into the 22.

Ireland 0-0 England, 7 mins

16:54 , Luke Baker

Quick hands from England as Earl and Curry have probing carries. Smith goes to the air again but it’s well claimed by Lowe on his own 22.

Prendergast shows and goes but good tackle from Mitchell. Ireland seemingly happy to play in their own half… But the ball dribbles out of play from a breakdown near touch. Off an England hand, so Ireland lineout.

Cagey stuff so far. England keen to kick, Ireland happier to play.

Ireland 0-0 England, 4 mins

16:51 , Luke Baker

Mack Hansen may have taken a knock – he looks a bit shaken up. Smith goes to the boot again, low cross-field kick looking for a man on the right wing but it’s a shade beyond Ben Curry and into touch. You can see England’s kicking tactic already.

Ah, really bad news for Ireland. Hansen is limping badly and he goes off after just four minutes. Robbie Henshaw on and he’ll play at 13 with Ringrose out to the wing.

Ireland 0-0 England, 3 mins

16:49 , Luke Baker

Lots of high kicks from both sides so far. But then Smith dummies, slices through a gap and charges towards the 22 before lofting a long pass to Freeman out wide.

England set up in the 22 now

Ireland 0-0 England, 2 mins

16:48 , Luke Baker

England recover the ball from kick-off and Smith kicks again forcing an early Ireland lineout on their 22.

Baird rises high to claim and Ireland exit up towards halfway with the box-kick. Murley catches and gets levelled! Welcome to international rugby, kid!

KICK-OFF! Ireland 0-0 England

16:46 , Luke Baker

And we’re off at the Aviva Stadium! Marcus Smith boots the ball into the Dublin air to get us going. This should be a cracker

Ireland v England anthems

16:42 , Luke Baker

The teams are out for the anthems and we’re not far from kick-off now.

What England must prove under Steve Borthwick

16:40 , Luke Baker

How much progress have England made under Steve Borthwick? They would claim plenty, but two years after the head coach’s arrival, their record is just 14 wins from 28 games.

It is surely time for this side to deliver.

The key Steve Borthwick decision that will decide England’s Six Nations fate

Maro Itoje ready for first match as captain

16:35 , Luke Baker

Maro Itoje captains England for the first time this afternoon, with the lock as Steve Borthwick’s chosen leader for the present and the future.

Itoje’s pedigree as a leader is significant – after being a Junior World Cup-winning captain with England’s Under-20s, he grew into a figure of significant stature quickly at Saracens even in a squad blessed with some of the game’s biggest personalities.

The last three permanent England captains have all been drawn from north London and Itoje will no doubt have learnt plenty from Owen Farrell and George, who remains as a lieutenant.

How to watch Ireland v England

16:32 , Luke Baker

If you’re in the United Kingdom, you can stream Ireland v England live on ITVX.

The match is also live on ITV1 with Eddie Jones among the pundits.

Ireland vs England match officials

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand) & Hollie Davidson (Sco)

Television Match Official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

Foul Play Review Officer: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Ireland vs England referee: Who is Six Nations official Ben O’Keeffe?

Ireland vs England

16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

A very good afternoon from a dry, relatively mild Dublin. The city centre felt surprisingly quiet a little earlier but the Ballsbridge bars were beginning to busy on the walk up to the Aviva Stadium, and the well lubricated masses are starting to fill the green seats of Ireland’s home. Despite clear skies, this will be a big day, one feels, for both back threes in the air – Ireland are sure to test Cadan Murley on Test debut. The Harlequins wing has improved significantly under the high ball but this is quite the stage on which to make your international bow.

Eddie Jones gives his thoughts on the game

16:19 , Luke Baker

Ex-England coach Eddie Jones is a pundit for ITV today and he’s given his early thoughts pre-match

What will British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The battle of the captains between Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris will be worth watching in the context of a Lions year, with the pair shaping as the two contenders to skipper the touring team in Australia this summer. What else might Andy Farrell particularly be watching?

What will Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

Maro Itoje fulfils his destiny as England’s ‘world-class’ leader for the present and future

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje captains England for the first time this afternoon, the lock Steve Borthwick’s chosen leader for the present and the future.

Maro Itoje fulfils destiny as England’s leader for the present and future

Team news – England

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England hand a debut to Harlequins wing Cadan Murley, with Freddie Steward also included in the back three with both Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank absent due to injury. Tom and Ben Curry start together for the first time in international colours at senior level as the identical twins join Ben Earl in the back row, while Maro Itoje skippers the side for the first time having been installed as captain ahead of this campaign.

A punchy six forwards to two backs bench includes number eight Tom Willis, who is in line to earn a second cap on the back of impressive club form for Saracens.

England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 George Martin; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Marcus Smith; 11 Cadan Murley, 12 Henry Slade, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.

Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Tom Willis; 22 Harry Randall, 23 Fin Smith.

Team news – Ireland

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sam Prendergast gets the nod ahead of Jack Crowley at fly half for Ireland, with the Leinster youngster set to make his first Six Nations appearance. He joins a familiar backline within which James Lowe is deemed to fit to feature having made a return in club colours last weekend. There is no Joe McCarthy, though, with the lock nursing an injury – James Ryan therefore partners Tadhg Beirne with Ryan Baird on the blindside.

With no Tadhg Furlong, it is Finlay Bealham at tighthead, while Dan Sheehan’s availability after recovering from a serious knee injury is a boost to the bench.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw.

Sam Prendergast handed keys to kingdom as Ireland reveal side to face England in Six Nations

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland fly half Sam Prendergast has been handed his first Six Nations start after beating Jack Crowley to the number 10 jersey against England.

Leinster youngster Prendergast will open Ireland’s title defence as chief playmaker after impressing in his debut international campaign in November.

The 21-year-old, tipped as a long-term successor to Johnny Sexton, displaces Crowley despite the Munsterman’s key role in steering Ireland to the title last year.

The selection is a bold first call from interim coach Simon Easterby, who oversees the squad for this tournament with Andy Farrell on sabbatical while preparing to take charge of the British and Irish Lions.

Sam Prendergast handed keys to kingdom as Ireland reveal side to face England

Besieged Bill Sweeney battles on – but the RFU is no longer remotely fit for purpose

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

These have been turbulent times at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), with English rugby in the grips of a revolt. Chief executive Bill Sweeney is battling on – but perhaps not for much longer.

Besieged Bill Sweeney battles on – but the RFU is no longer remotely fit for purpose

Ireland captain Caelan Doris ready for ‘ultimate test’ against England

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Captain Caelan Doris is braced for the “ultimate test” when Ireland begin their quest for an unprecedented third successive Guinness Six Nations title against rivals England.

The back-to-back champions are pre-tournament favourites and have won four of the past five meetings between the sides ahead of this evening’s crunch clash in Dublin.

Underdogs England – World Cup semi-finalists in 2023 – lost seven of 12 Tests in 2024 and are bidding to ease pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick by springing a surprise following an unsuccessful autumn.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris ready for ‘ultimate test’ against England

Six new faces to watch in the 2025 Six Nations

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hope springs eternal as the Six Nations sides renew hostilities in rugby’s grandest old championship.

Another competitive edition of the tournament looks likely in 2025 with questions for each and every one of the competing sextet, and with the fixtures given an extra edge in a British and Irish Lions year.

A fresh crop of new faces just taking their first steps on the international stage will be out to make their mark over the next few weeks, with places on the plane to Australia perhaps up for grabs for those eligible.

There will be plenty of excitement around France and Italy, too, as the pair continue to unearth new talent.

The Independent has picked out one new(ish) face from each nation who could be set for a breakthrough tournament:

Six new faces to watch in the 2025 Six Nations

Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby’s turmoil

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We should not forget, either, just how good this competition really is. Last night’s opening fixture may have been one sided but the Six Nations is in a purple patch, with another thrilling edition surely in store:

Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby’s turmoil

Six Nations should remain on free-to-air TV, says England captain Maro Itoje

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje leads England into what could be the final Six Nations shown on terrestrial television with a call to organisers to prioritise the game’s reach when considering the next broadcast deal.

The BBC and ITV have shared the TV rights since 2016, but their contract ends after the current tournament and TNT Sports has confirmed it is considering bidding for 2026 onwards.

For the first time the game’s biggest draw outside the World Cup faces the prospect of going behind a paywall, but Itoje insists it must remain free-to-air.

“The Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible,” said the England captain ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.

“I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV. The fact that it’s been on free-to-air…I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less.

“Obviously I’m not involved in the finances of the deals, but even though international rugby is massive, the sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite.”

Six Nations should remain on free-to-air TV, says England captain Maro Itoje

Why the BBC and ITV might be about to drop the ball for coverage of Six Nations

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The rights issue is complex, but it is understood the tender process is yet to open. Here is an in-depth look at how we got here and what the future might hold:

Why the BBC and ITV might be about to drop the ball for coverage of Six Nations

Liberal Democrats launch campaign to keep Six Nations on free-to-air television

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to save the free-to-air future of the Six Nations amid uncertainty over the competition’s terrestrial future.

The BBC and ITV are in the final year of their joint deal to show the tournament in the United Kingdom, with the tender process set to open in the next couple of months.

TNT Sports confirmed this week that they were exploring the possibility of a bid, with speculation suggesting that the BBC may already be out of the running.

While discussions are understood to still be at a preliminary phase, neither the men’s or women’s tournaments are currently protected by “Category A” status that would safeguard live coverage on terrestrial television.

And the Liberal Democrats in Parliament have tabled a motion calling for both the men’s and women’s competitions to be added to the so-called “crown jewels” list.

Liberal Democrats launch campaign to keep Six Nations on free-to-air television

Yesterday’s action…

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first night of Six Nations action brought a real statement of intent as France dealt Wales their first nilling since 2007, with the remarkable Antoine Dupont the star of the show on his return to the competition.

Peerless Antoine Dupont leads fabulous France to victory as Wales hit a new low

The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland, meanwhile, are chasing a third successive title – but a few huge challenges stand between them and an unprecedented feat, as Michael Cooke explains:

The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history

It’s time for Steve Borthwick to deliver and this England decision will decide Six Nations fate

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How much progress have England made under Steve Borthwick? They would claim plenty, but two years after the head coach’s arrival, their record is just 14 wins from 28 games. It’s time for this side to deliver…

The key Steve Borthwick decision that will decide England’s Six Nations fate

Ireland vs England LIVE

Thursday 30 January 2025 16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The opening Six Nations weekend reaches a conclusion with perhaps the fixture of the round, Ireland out for revenge (and a first step towards history) against their 2024 conquerors England. The defending champions welcome Steve Borthwick’s side to Dublin this afternoon for a crunch clash, even at this early stage.

Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 4.45pm GMT.