Tadhg Beirne says Ireland are brimming with “massive belief” after launching their Guinness Six Nations title defence with a landmark demolition of pre-tournament favourites France.
Andy Farrell’s reigning Grand Slam champions made a statement of intent in Marseille with a stunning 38-17 bonus-point win to propel themselves into pole position for further championship glory.
Ireland were a class above at Stade Velodrome, albeit their cause was aided by a first-half red card for France second-row Paul Willemse.
Munster lock Beirne, who claimed the second of five Irish tries en route to his country’s biggest victory away to Les Bleus, said the performance was a “special feeling”.
Later today, England tackle Italy in Rome before Wales host Scotland in Cardiff.
When is the 2024 Six Nations?
The 2024 Six Nations got under way on Friday night – Feb 2, 2024 – as Ireland upset France in Marseille.
Both sides went into the mouth-watering tournament curtain-raiser on the back of agonising World Cup quarter-finals exits.
How to watch the 2024 Six Nations on TV
Fixtures this year will continue to be shown on both BBC and ITV in the UK. Live streams will be available for free on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps, and will be available to download on mobile or tablet devices.
The long-term future of the Six Nations on free-to-air TV is uncertain after the government rejected calls to add the tournament to the list of sporting events that must be shown for free.
2024 Six Nations fixtures in full
All times GMT
Round one
Friday, February 2: France 17 Ireland 38
Saturday, February 3: Italy v England
- Kick-off : 2.15pm
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
- Channel: ITV
Saturday February 3: Wales v Scotland
- Kick-off: 4.45pm
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Referee: Ben O’Keefe (NZ)
- Channel: BBC
Round two
Saturday, February 10: Scotland v France
- Kick-off: 2.15pm
- Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
- Channel: BBC
Saturday, February 10: England v Wales
- Kick-off: 4.45pm
- Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
- Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
- Channel: ITV
Sunday, February 11: Ireland v Italy
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Referee: Pierrre Brousset (Fra)
- Channel: ITV
Round three
Saturday, February 24: Ireland v Wales
- Kick-off: 2.15pm
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
- Channel: ITV
Saturday, February 24: Scotland v England
- Kick-off: 4.45pm
- Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
- Channel: BBC
Sunday, February 25: France v Italy
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Venue: Decathlon Arena, Lille
- Referee: Christophe Ridley (ENG)
- Channel: ITV
Round four
Saturday, March 9: Italy v Scotland
- Kick-off: 2.15pm
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Referee: Jaco Peyper (SA)
- Channel: ITV
Saturday, March 9: England v Ireland
- Kick-off: 4.45pm
- Venue: Twickenham Stadium, Cardiff
- Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
- Channel: ITV
Sunday, March 10: Wales v France
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Referee: Luke Pearce (ENG)
- Channel: BBC
Round five
Saturday, March 16: Wales v Italy,
- Kick-off: 2.15pm
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
- Channel: BBC
Saturday, March 16: Ireland v Scotland
- Kick-off: 4.45pm
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
- Channel: ITV
Saturday, March 16: France v England
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
- Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
- Channel: ITV
Who are the favourites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
- Ireland to win: 1/3
- England to win: 13/2
- Scotland to win: 14/1
- France to win: 16/1
- Wales to win: 40/1
- Italy to win: 500/1
Odds correct on February 3
How do I get tickets for matches?
You should consult each country’s individual union website for information about tickets to matches. Availability will vary greatly depending on which fixture you are hoping to get tickets for.