Ireland Rugby

Furlong, who has only played 36 minutes of rugby since the autumn internationals, has failed to recover from a calf injury, leaving Connacht's Finlay Bealham to ...

[Six Nations 2023 in focus: Ireland](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12783034/six-nations-2023-championship-in-focus-ireland-seeking-silverware-under-andy-farrell) [Sexton: No grudge against Gatland over Lions snub](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12801229/johnny-sexton-ireland-captain-says-he-holds-no-grudge-against-wales-coach-warren-gatland-over-british-and-irish-lions-snub) [Halfpenny ruled out for Wales Ireland open 2023 Six Nations by travelling to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday (2.15pm); Skipper and playmaker Johnny Sexton fit to start; Stuart McCloskey starts over Bundee Aki at centre; Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong ruled out due to a calf injury, so Finlay Bealham starts Tadhg Furlong ruled out for Ireland vs Wales in Six Nations opener; Stuart McCloskey at centre; Johnny Sexton fit to start

Warren Gatland's Wales welcome top-ranked side Ireland to the Principality Stadium on Saturday for the start of the 2023 Six Nations.

With a solid platform expected despite Tadhg Furlong’s absence, Sexton has all the tools he needs to own the Test and steer Ireland to a victory. The Irish legend is critical in how well he moves and manages his side around the park. Garry Ringrose has been in sublime form for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship and seems to have taken his game to the next level. The pivot must be clear in decision-making and sound in his kicking. He should be proud of that in terms of what he has achieved in the game because it is pretty special. He is tireless in every sense of the word and is willing to put his body on the line. His carrying ability has also improved greatly, and the star adds great balance to Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau in the back-row. Gatland could be concerned about the collision area in the middle of the park. Expect Ireland to kick well and when receiving be aware of the counter-attack threat of Hugo Keenan alongside the dangerous James Lowe and Mack Hansen in the back-three. “This week, the message to players is we have a Test match to focus on. It is a game that sets up far more interesting than one would have thought looking forward to this fixture at the end of last year. Adding to his woes is the late withdrawal of Leigh Halfpenny after a back issue on Thursday, with Liam Williams set to start.

To celebrate the return of the Six Nations we're giving you the chance to get your hands on an Ireland jersey.

Following the visit of France, tough trips to Rome and Edinburgh await before Ireland finish their tournament at home to England on March 18th. In last year's Six Nations, Ireland were pipped to the post by Grand Slam winners France. Last summer, the side made history by becoming the first Irish team to beat the All-Blacks in New Zealand.

To celebrate the return of the Six Nations we're giving you the chance to get your hands on an Ireland jersey.

In last year's Six Nations, Ireland were pipped to the post by Grand Slam winners France. As the team fine tune their preparations for the tournament we’re giving you the chance to cheer on Ireland in style by winning this season's Ireland jersey. Following the visit of France, tough trips to Rome and Edinburgh await before Ireland finish their tournament at home to England on March 18th.

To celebrate the return of the Six Nations we're giving you the chance to get your hands on an Ireland jersey.

Read more: Following the visit of France, tough trips to Rome and Edinburgh await before Ireland finish their tournament at home to England on March 18th. Read More:

To date, more than 30 primary schools have shared €500,000 in ALDI funding through the ALDI Play Rugby sticker competition, with a further €100,000 set to be ...

Not only does it help foster healthy habits that can last a lifetime, but it also enables kids to make new friends, acquire leadership skills that can be used on and off the pitch, and develop resilience,” said James Ryan, ALDI ambassador and Irish rugby international. To date, more than 30 primary schools have shared €500,000 in ALDI funding through the ALDI Play Rugby sticker competition, with a further €100,000 set to be distributed this year. Additionally, each sticker offers ALDI customers a chance to win their weekly shop! The survey has also revealed that more than one in five children are not participating in regular exercise, at home or in school. The independent survey has found that a significant three in four people believe that sports facilities should be made more available to children in their local primary schools. Now in its seventh year, ALDI Play Rugby is a national programme aimed at primary school children across Kildare and Ireland.