Ireland condemned Wales to a record-extending 15th straight rugby loss after overcoming a 20-minute red card to rally for a 27-18 win and stay on course for an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title on Saturday.

Wales slipped to a 15th straight defeat in a 27-18 home loss to Six Nations champions Ireland on Saturday, but the hosts played with endeavour and ambition not seen in recent games. Ireland wsecured the Triple Crown and top the table with 14 points from three matches,

Rugby fans in the UK are once again among the luckiest in the world, with all matches of the 2025 Six Nations set to be shown live on free-to-air networks BBC and ITV. This means viewers in the UK will be able to stream every game for free on ITVX. and BBC iPlayer. This match will be shown live on BBC 1, with coverage starting at 1:15 p.m. GMT.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent ’s live coverage of the opening clash of the Six Nations weekend between Wales and Ireland. It’s the start of a new era for the hosts after the departure of Warren Gatland - can Matt Sherratt spark them into life against the tournament favourites?

Ireland remain on course for a Grand Slam and a third successive title, having won their opening two matches under interim head coach Simon Easterby. A run of 14 defeats saw Wales part company with Gatland and with three games to go, they’ll be desperate to avoid a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon.

Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt looked for familiarity as he made nine changes to the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland. Wales were beaten 22-15 by Italy in their last Six Nations outing,

Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt insisted Thursday that a Six Nations showdown against Ireland was no time for experimentation despite the team being on a record streak of 14 consecutive Test defeats.