‘I’m numb with nerves’: Ireland fans ‘barbarically excited’ for Grand Slam showdown

Irish rugby fans are hoping for a glorious St Patrick's Day as their side takes on England in a Grand Slam showdown at Twickenham.

London has been painted green as Ireland's rugby squad bid for a place in Irish folklore in the Six Nations on England's home turf.

Ireland has already won the Six Nations - their third in five years - but are hoping to secure a sweet victory over the English to cement their third ever Grand Slam.

With tickets akin to gold dust, hundreds of Irish fans have gathered at pubs near Twickenham stadium in the south west of the capital.

On a packed train en route to the area, Ciaran Walsh, 22, from Cork, said he is "barbarically excited", adding: "It is a seismic day in Irish rugby history."

Conor Crowley, 22, from Cork, said: "It is a Herculean day in the Irish rugby calendar."

Conor Barry, 22, also from Gaggin in West Cork, said: "I actually have a feeling of numbness with nerves."

- PA