Doris and Ireland eager to deliver performance to inspire the nation 

Ireland players, from left, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan and captain Caelan Doris make their way onto the pitch before their captain's run at Stade de France. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Caelan Doris wants his team to deliver a performance to make Ireland proud against France at Stade de France on Thursday night after suggesting the national side’s recent performances had failed to inspire their supporters.

The 2026 Guinness Six Nations gets underway on French soil with Ireland unfancied underdogs to defeat the defending champions who ended their reign as back-to-back titleholders.