Image source, Getty Images

That's all for today, folks.

We'll be back on Thursday for the main event as France and Ireland kick off the this year's Six Nations.

Kick-off is at 20:10 GMT at the Stade de France and we'll have live radio coverage of the game, and we'll have all the build-up on the BBC Sport app & website from 18:30 GMT.

Also watch out for the captain's run tomorrow for previews, and you can stay right up to date with all the latest in Irish rugby here.

Thanks very much for joining us, and catch you later in the week.

Both Ireland and France have named their matchday squads for the Six Nations opener on Thursday.

• Jacob Stockdale to make first Six Nations start since 2021 as James Lowe dropped
• Prop Jeremy Loughman named as Tadhg Furlong misses out
• Tadhg Beirne starts at centre as Cian Prendergast named in back row
• Sam Prendergast gets nod at fly-half
• Antoine Dupont returns for first France cap since knee injury

Image source, Getty Images

Before we go, here's a reminder of your teams for the opener.

The Six Nations launch was in Edinburgh, by the way, in case this picture wasn't subtle enough.

France: Thomas Ramos; Theo Attissogbe; Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortere; Louis Beille-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt); Jean-Baptiste Grod, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri; Charles Ollivon, Mickael Guillard; Francois Cros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch.

Replacements: Peato Mayvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Regis Montagne, Hugo Auradou, Emmanual Meafou, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Serrin, Kalvin Gourgues.

Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien; Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey; Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll be aware that 2026 has started with a look back to the past.

Well, Andrew Trimble, Conor Murray and Rory Best jump on the trend to see what life was like back in 2016.

BBC Sounds

Image source, BBC Sport

Don't forget, you can listen to the Ireland Rugby Social podcast on BBC Sounds with former Ireland international Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews.

There's already been some great episodes with Jacob Stockdale, Bundee Aki, Willie John McBride and a live episode with Ireland legends Rory Best and Andrew Trimble.

There will also be two episodes a week throughout the Six Nations.

Check it out on BBC Sounds!

BBC Sounds

Image source, BBC Sport

Chris heads to England's training camp in Girona after Steve Borthwick named his team to face Wales in their Six Nations opener.

Listen to the Rugby Union Weekly on BBC Sounds

It all centres on Andy Farrell's decisions.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

The 2026 Six Nations is here. Excited?

To help get you in the mood, can you solve these anagrams to reveal 12 players hoping to make an impact over the next six weeks?

There are two each from the England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales squads.

Just unscramble the letters and type in your answers.

A lot of eyes are already on that last weekend of the Six Nations when France take on England in Paris.

Could that be a title-decider or *whispers quietly* a Grand Slam decider?

They are the two early favourites, but Ireland will feel like they have a point to prove as they travel to both of their fellow challengers this year.

It could be a classic Six Nations.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist

Of that Bordeaux quartet, the name that leaps from the page (or teamsheet as it were), is Matthieu Jalibert.

The fly-half, who returns to the 10 jersey with Romain Ntamack injured, made his debut for Les Bleus in this fixture eight years ago but departed early with a serious injury from a game best remembered for Johnny Sexton's late drop goal.

The 27-year-old has won 35 Test caps but it has often felt a somewhat uneasy relationship with the national side - we are, after all, only a little over a year detached from him leaving the squad in November 2024 when it became clear he would not be starting at fly-half ahead of full-back Thomas Ramos. He's only played once for France since.

He's been quite simply brilliant for Bordeaux in Europe this season - can he bring that form back to the Test stage?

It was announced yesterday that Ireland and France will be playing for a new Solidarity Trophy (or Solidarité Trophy, if you prefer) in the Six Nations.

What do you want make of it?

Image source, IRFU / Sportsfile

Ireland Rugby Social
Listen on BBC Sounds

We all know France are a handy outfit, but where will they test Ireland? Speaking on the Ireland Rugby Social, Rory Best gives his thoughts:

"The defence will be tested more than the scrum for Ireland on Thursday. You look at that Bordeaux team and the way they've been playing in the Champions Cup. That backline, I know Damian Penaud's out of it, but a lot of them are in it and if Ireland let this big French pack carry the ball over the line, some of those athletes [can cause Ireland serious problems]

Rich has had his say on the Thursday night fixture to open the Six Nations.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist

With skipper Antoine Dupont back to lead the charge, there is of course the expected Toulouse influence across the French team with no fewer than six players from the six-time European champions in Thursday's starting line-up.

Even without the prolific Damian Penaud, there is an increasing contingent from Bordeaux-Begles too with the reigning Champions Cup holders providing four starters to the backline.

Their attack coach at club level? Noel McNamara from Clare!

Image source, Getty Images

Team-mate Gael Fickou says France have lost the best prop they have ever had after Uini Atonio was forced to retire.

"He was an incredible player with an extraordinary physique and amazing qualities," Fickou told L'Equipe, external.

"He was undoubtedly the best French prop we've ever had."

Atonio pulled out of club side La Rochelle's match against Clermont on Sunday after suffering chest pains and withdrew from France's Six Nations squad the following day, before his admission to hospital on Tuesday.

"I'd already seen that he wasn't feeling well during his team's trip to Clermont," said Fickou.

"I know him and found it strange. He's not the type to fake it.

"He's an exceptional player, but it's the man I want to pay tribute to most of all.

"In a team, he's a great guy, always smiling. I have so many memories; I looked at a lot of photos with him this afternoon. I hope there will be more.

"Uini has left his mark. He probably would have preferred a different ending, but that's life. Rugby isn't eternal, but friendship is."

Image source, Getty Images

As France name their named, we have to take a moment to think of prop Uini Atonio, who has been forced to retire after he was admitted to an intensive care unit following a "cardiac event".

The 35-year-old was taken to a hospital in La Rochelle on Tuesday with his club saying he suffered a suspected heart problem, and is now in a stable condition.

"Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery," said French Top 14 side La Rochelle, his team since 2011.

Atonio, who was born in New Zealand, qualified to play for France through residency and made 68 appearances for his adoptive country.

During his career the giant prop won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and was selected for their World Cup squads in 2015 and 2023.

He started all five games as France regained the Six Nations in 2025, and was selected in their provisional squad for this year's tournament.

Best wishes, Uini!

Image source, Inpho

One year on, Antoine Dupont returns for France.

France head coach Fabien Galthie read the team out old-school by listing them one-by-one at the start of his press conference.

Much like his glasses, you have to admire it.

France Rugby

Here's the matchday 23 for the holders.

Antoine Dupont returns, while last year's player of the tournament Louis Beille-Biarrey starts too.

It's some backline, despite no Damian Penaud or Gael Fickou.

France: Thomas Ramos; Theo Attissogbe; Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortere; Louis Beille-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt); Jean-Baptiste Grod, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri; Charles Ollivon, Mickael Guillard; Francois Cros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch.

Replacements: Peato Mayvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Regis Montagne, Hugo Auradou, Emmanual Meafou, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Serrin, Kalvin Gourgues.

France Rugby

Full team news to follow.