France vs Ireland live: Latest score and updates as title hopefuls collide in huge Six Nations opener

You may be wondering why this year’s tournament is starting on a Thursday. Well, it’s due to the Winter Olympics and French TV rights – here’s the full story:

The Six Nations returns with rugby’s annual spring spectacular set to provide the usual thrills and spills.

Scotland also have a squad capable of challenging as they bid to bounce back from a disappointing autumn; Italy will hope to overcome injuries to maintain their upward curve; and Wales will look to banish off-field noise and take steps forward in their first Six Nations under Steve Tandy.

It is a slightly condensed campaign this year, with the removal of a rest weekend likely to put increased pressure on each squad. Could that have a bearing on the outcome of the competition?

Find out who The Independent’s writers are tipping for success in our annual predictions:

The 2026 edition of this tournament is condensed slightly, with the removal of one fallow week perhaps making squad depth all the more important. Who could it suit?

The Six Nations returns in style tonight as two title hopefuls collide in Paris. France open the defence of their title with a meeting with an injury-hit Ireland in a first Thursday night fixture in the competition since 1948.

Kick off at the Stade de France is at 8.10pm GMT.