Last 5 battles between France and Ireland

On Thursday 5 February, the Stade de France will take centre stage as the rugby world gathers for an opening fixture that feels more like a final. France taking on Ireland right in their backyard.

Few Six Nations fixtures have been as closely contested as France v Ireland. Over their last 10 meetings, the average winning margin has been under seven points, with several matches decided in the final moments. From Johnny Sexton’s late drop goal in Paris in 2018 to France’s dramatic 30–24 victory in Dublin in 2022, the rivalry has consistently delivered high-intensity, world-class rugby. After France’s convincing win in 2025, Andy Farrell’s side will be looking to respond in 2026.

Here are the last 5 fixtures between two sides who arguably have one of the most compelling rivalries in modern rugby.

The last time they met was in March 2025, in Dublin where France end Ireland’s ten-game winning streak at home in the Championship and their hopes of a Grand Slam.

Ireland 27 – 42 France

On 2 February 2024 Championship holders Ireland got off to a great start in the Six Nations as they punished a woeful France 38-17, running in five tries at the Velodrome after Les Bleus were reduced to 14 men in the first half.

On 11 February 2023 Ireland downed defending champions France 32-19 in a fantastic Six Nations match that lived up to its billing.

France ensured a thrilling Ireland comeback from 15 points down fell just short as the hosts held on for a 30-24 victory in a scintillating Six Nations encounter at the Stade de France.

On Valentine’s Day in 2021 Ireland came up agonisingly short in their attempt to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive as they fell to a narrow defeat against France in Dublin.

Match Information for this Thursday 

Kick-off: 5 February 2026, Stade de France

Team News:

France: Ramos; Attissogbe, Depoortère, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri; Ollivon, Guillard; Cros, Jegou, Jelonch.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Montagne, Auradou, Meafou, Nouchi, Serin, Gourgues.

Ireland: Osborne; O'Brien, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Beirne, C Prendergast, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley.