We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

€2 a Month €5 a Month One-off amount

Rugby

Yesterday
5th February 2026
marks out of 10
Ireland player ratings after a miserable night in Paris
3 hrs ago
2.3k
11
Reaction
'We left ourselves too big a mountain to climb' – Ireland reflect on a tough night in Paris
3 hrs ago
1.3k
7
podcast image
PodcastRugby Weekly Extra
SNAP REACTION: France 36-14 Ireland
6m
Le Martien
With the boot, or with ball in hand – Antoine Dupont remains an inevitable force
4 hrs ago
607
7
Have your say
How did you rate Ireland's players on a night to forget in Paris?
4 hrs ago
3.2k
22
Comment
Battering by Les Bleus felt like a defeat from the bad old days
Tonight’s loss in Paris felt as bleak as it ever has under Andy Farrell.
Ciarán Kennedy
Reports from Stade de France
4 hrs ago
1.8k
9
down and out
France shred Farrell's Ireland on nightmarish night in Paris
There were some signs of hope as the Irish bench made an impact but it was misery for Irish fans.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Stade de France
5 hrs ago
5.1k
54
Minute-by-Minute
Ireland fall well short in 36-14 Six Nations defeat to France
5 hrs ago
47.4k
209
Team news
Josh Neill handed Ireland U20 debut in Six Nations opener following South Africa switch
5 hrs ago
2.0k
3
Team news
Kinghorn and Van der Merwe dropped by Scotland, Wales' Rees-Zammit at full-back for Six Nations return
Updated 9 hrs ago
5.4k
16
Showtime
Farrell's Ireland go on the hunt for a big upset at Stade de France
Les Bleus are clear favourites but this depleted Irish team want to attack their Six Nations opener.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Paris
16 hrs ago
2.0k
15
home favourites
Expectant French crowd want their stars to deliver a slam
Les Bleus are aiming to go one better than they did in last year’s championship.
Ciarán Kennedy
Reports from Paris
20 hrs ago
1.4k
9
Decision time
Poll: Who will win tonight's Six Nations opener - France or Ireland?
20 hrs ago
2.6k
6
On the box
Virgin Media to show every game of new Nations Championship
21 hrs ago
2.5k
11
Wednesday
4th February 2026
platform
POC and Ireland need a smart plan to stymie France's strength
The French transition attack is another major threat for Ireland tomorrow in Paris.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Paris
4 Feb
2.4k
6
RELATED
Ireland in Paris: The misery years
4 Feb
Andy Farrell will be happy for people to write off this Ireland team
4 Feb
A combined Six Nations 'Best XV' before championship kick-off
4 Feb
Rugby
Quiz: How well do you remember last year’s Six Nations?
4 Feb
2.5k
0
Paris Match
Rugby Weekly Extra: Murray Kinsella and Ciarán Kennedy preview France v Ireland
Murray and Ciarán on the challenge facing Ireland, France’s Grand Slam ambitions, and Sam Prendergast’s chance to shine.
4 Feb
1.2k
1
Opportunity
Max Deegan captains Ireland XV as Cullie Tucker names side to face England A
4 Feb
5.6k
27
PodcastRugby Weekly Extra
The French angle, Doris backs Prendergast, and the questions to be answered in Paris
Call It Here
Poll: Who will win the 2026 Six Nations?
4 Feb
3.3k
9
Number 10
'I've got a lot of faith in him' - Doris backs Prendergast to shine for Ireland
4 Feb
3.0k
27
Feeling Bleu
Ireland in Paris: The misery years
For decades, Paris represented a place of physical and mental pain for visiting Irish teams.
4 Feb
3.3k
9
mindset
Andy Farrell will be happy for people to write off this Ireland team
4 Feb
2.1k
13
dream team
A combined Six Nations 'Best XV' before championship kick-off
4 Feb
3.6k
6
Banned
'Bundee's certainly sorry' - Farrell says Ireland could call on Aki
4 Feb
6.3k
11
Tuesday
3rd February 2026
Ones to watch
Six rising stars who could light up this year's Six Nations
Meet the new faces who could have a big say in this year’s championship.
3 Feb
5.1k
8
Go West
Gavin and Duggan sign new Connacht deals as McCormack joins Harlequins on loan
3 Feb
3.3k
2
Les blues
The view from France: Ireland aren't quite the powerhouse they used to be
3 Feb
3.9k
6
Opportunity
A fresh-looking Ireland team magnifies the challenge but also excites
Injuries have forced Andy Farrell’s hand as several players get big chances in Paris.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Paris
3 Feb
3.8k
12
PodcastRugby Weekly Extra
France v Ireland/Six Nations preview
Update
Aungier and Coughlan among new players added to Ireland XV squad
3 Feb
5.2k
17
Back in action
Fit-again Dupont returns to France team to face Ireland
3 Feb
3.8k
17
Big Chance
'He's matured a lot' - Farrell backs Prendergast for Ireland
3 Feb
5.1k
4
Team news
Cian Prendergast starts for Ireland alongside his brother Sam
Andy Farrell has also handed starts to Osborne, Stockdale, Loughman, and Clarkson.
3 Feb
14.1k
136
RELATED
Fit-again Dupont returns to France team to face Ireland
3 Feb
'We've been impressed' - Ireland confident in Milne and Loughman
2 Feb
Antoine from the mountains: how the world’s best rugby player transcended the sport
1 Feb
Respect
'He's the opposite of Skelton. He'd have conversations with you in scrums'
3 Feb
5.5k
7
Monday
2nd February 2026
Dates For Diary
Ireland to face Portugal in Sydney opener as RWC 2027 pool fixtures revealed
2 Feb
4.9k
19
Bienvenue
Ireland arrive in Paris as France aim to get Grand Slam tilt rolling
The French had a mixed autumn campaign but they are favourites for the Six Nations.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Paris
2 Feb
2.4k
11
Making A Switch
Devine to leave Connacht this summer and join Ulster
2 Feb
4.6k
21
Possible XV
Prendergast, Osborne, and Stockdale set to start as Farrell weighs up big surprise
2 Feb
24.8k
49
Teamsheet
England captain Itoje on bench for Six Nations opener, Arundell named to start
2 Feb
4.4k
26
1
2
3
4
5
Next Articles
The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie