Renewed Ireland excited for opening Six Nations challenge against France

Ireland will be looking for a top three finish in the 2024 Six Nations after a disappointing 2023 championship.

RENEWED VIGOUR: Maeve Óg O’Leary and Neve Jones preparing for their Six Nations opening clash against France. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

It is anticipated to be a daunting encounter in a cauldron-like atmosphere, but scrum coach Denis Fogarty believes the Ireland women’s rugby team are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with France in the opening round of the Six Nations Championship later this month.

Stade Marie-Marvingt in Le Mans will be the venue on March 23 for the latest clash between the two sides and there is expected to be somewhere between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators in attendance for the game. While Ireland recorded victories over their forthcoming opponents in the 2009, 2013 and 2017 editions of the Six Nations, France have held the upper hand in their more recent meetings.