Ireland Plays Italy in Rugby Match on February 14, 2026

Ireland will play rugby against Italy on February 14, 2026. Ireland lost their first game of the Six Nations, but Italy won theirs. The match is in Dublin.
By Newsroom | Rugby, Ireland |

This Six Nations rugby union match between Ireland and Italy carries significant weight for both teams, especially for Ireland who seek to rebound from a disappointing opening round. Italy, conversely, arrives with a boosted morale following a notable victory. The encounter, scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, presents a narrative of contrasting recent performances and historical dominance.

Background: A Tale of Two Starts

The stage is set for Round 2 of the Guinness Men's Six Nations. Ireland, a perennial contender, enters this fixture reeling from a defeat to France in Paris. This loss, following a history of strong performances at home, places an immediate onus on the Irish side to demonstrate resilience.

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Italy, on the other hand, has generated considerable positive momentum. Their opening match saw them secure a hard-fought victory against Scotland in Rome. This win, marked by disciplined play and crucial moments executed effectively, has injected confidence into the Italian camp and heightened expectations for their performance against Ireland.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The Ireland versus Italy match is scheduled for 2:10 PM GMT on February 14, 2026. In the UK, the game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage commencing at 1:00 PM GMT. The match will also be available for live streaming on ITVX. For viewers in Australia, the match will be shown on Stan Sport.

Read More: Ireland Plays Italy After Losing First Game

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Team Lineups and Preparations

Ireland's coaching staff, under Andy Farrell, has implemented six changes to the squad, a deliberate effort to galvanize the team and secure a positive result. Notably, Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu are set to make their Six Nations debuts.

Ireland XV: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson; McCarthy, Ryan; Izuchukwu, Doris (c), Conan.Replacements: Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, Crowley.

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Italy XV: Pani; Lynagh, Menoncello, Marin, Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari; N Cannone, Zambonin; Lamaro (c), Zuliani, L Cannone.Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, Odogwu.

Historical Head-to-Head and Pre-Match Analysis

Historically, Ireland has held a significant advantage over Italy. Across their 73 encounters, Ireland has emerged victorious on 69 occasions, with Italy securing four wins. The last Italian victory dates back 13 years to March 2013, a 22-15 triumph in Rome. In recent home fixtures at Aviva Stadium, Ireland has demonstrated formidable strength, with past results including 36-0 and 57-6 victories.

Read More: England Rugby Team Tries to Win at Murrayfield After Many Losses

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The pre-match odds reflect this historical disparity, with Ireland listed as heavy favorites at 1/12 to win, while Italy is offered at 15/2. However, Italy's recent win over Scotland, achieved through strategic execution and resilience in the closing stages, suggests a team capable of challenging established norms.

Contrasting Fortunes in Round One

The opening round of the Six Nations provided starkly different outcomes for the two teams.

  • Ireland's Opening Fixture: Suffered a demoralizing defeat to France in Paris. Specific scoreline: France 36-14 Ireland.

  • Italy's Opening Fixture: Achieved a morale-boosting victory over Scotland in Rome. Specific scoreline: Italy 18-15 Scotland.

This contrast in immediate results is a crucial factor influencing the psychological and strategic approach of both sides heading into this match.

Expert Perspectives

"We just happen to have lost a lot of experience and people are coming in." - Andy Farrell, Ireland coach, reflecting on the team's current situation.

Read More: Ireland Captain Paul Stirling Hurt Knee in World Cup Game

This statement by the Ireland coach acknowledges the transitional phase the team is undergoing, potentially explaining some of the recent performance fluctuations. The integration of new players and the absence of experienced personnel are likely key considerations for Ireland as they aim to reassert their dominance.

Conclusion and Implications

The upcoming match between Ireland and Italy is more than just a fixture; it represents a critical juncture in Ireland's Six Nations campaign and a significant test of Italy's emerging form. Ireland's historical dominance at home is juxtaposed with their recent opening-round loss, creating an imperative for a strong performance. Italy, buoyed by their victory over Scotland, arrives with a clear opportunity to build on their momentum and challenge Ireland's established reputation. The strategic selections by Ireland and Italy's demonstrated ability to perform under pressure will be central to determining the outcome of this highly anticipated encounter.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Ireland vs. Italy rugby match?
The match is on February 14, 2026.
Q: Where is the match being played?
It is being played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
Q: How did Ireland and Italy do in their last games?
Ireland lost their last game to France. Italy won their last game against Scotland.