Ireland to host France in Women's Six Nations opener

France's Assia Khalfaoui tackles Dorothy Wall of Ireland during the 2024 Six Nations meeting Pic ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland will begin their 2025 Women's Six Nations campaign with a home tie against France. That difficult opener will form part of a triple header on March 22 next, with holders England at home to Italy and Wales travelling to Scotland.

Virgin Media and RTÉ will again share coverage of Ireland's matches. Ireland travel to Italy in round 2, entertain England in their third game and wrap up on the road with visits to Wales and Scotland in rounds 4 and 5.

That final round clash on April 26 forms part of another triple-bill, with England facing France in a potential title decider and Italy hosting Wales.

England, Grand Slam champions last season, target a seventh successive Six Nations title.

Their opener with Italy will be played at LNER Community Stadium, home of National League football club York City, which is among eight venues for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England next year.

Other venues will be confirmed in due course.

Six Nations chief of rugby Julie Paterson said: "The opportunity to take women's rugby to new heights next year cannot be overstated.

"Having the spotlight on women's rugby in 2025 can benefit the entire game, its players, and the fans.

"For the Guinness Women's Six Nations to kick off such a significant stage in the trajectory of the women's game feels both fitting and exciting in equal measure." 

“The numbers and statistics from previous editions of the Championship show signs of growth for the women’s game, and it is a testament to the work and commitment from each of the Six Nations Unions and Federations, on and off the pitch. As we go into next year’s Championship and a year rightfully dominated by women’s rugby, there is huge excitement from everyone involved to take the game to new heights.”