Six Nations boost for the country’s coffers

Irish rugby fans are praying that the French masters of romance are just here for love this weekend and not to inflict a St Valentine’s Day massacre.

As Les Bleus arrive in their droves for what promises to be an epic showdown Six Nations, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce has revealed rugby fans travelling to Dublin for the two home encounters will likely generate more than €40m for the national economy.

This weekend’s encounter against France and the game against England on March 1 are sellouts, with 55,000 fans due to attend each match.