Anna Caplice column: 'Ireland have to be up for this. Don’t lie down.'

I always get that tingly anticipation the week leading up to the first round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and this time – maybe more than ever.

A sincere thank you to those who entertained us during the Men’s Six Nations and who saw us through from the dark days of winter into the hopeful arrival of springtime. The girls will take it from here and carry the torch right into summertime when we will see for the first time a Six Nations Super Sunday on 17th May.

Fans of the women’s game – welcome back! Or simply – welcome! There are more of us than ever before and according to studies by World Rugby – 49% have arrived to the women’s game in the last two years.

Fixture

Womens Six Nations

England Women

06:25

11 Apr 26

Ireland Women

All Stats and Data

It’s been just over six months since the greatest Women’s Rugby World Cup we’ve ever seen. Now the Six Nations is ready to go again – smash attendance and viewership records and continue to build the blocks on the years of foundations that so many have laid. Anyone who has ever asked their Dad “can you start a team for me and my friends?” or begged their Mam to buy them boots and bring them to training, or asked their coach “why are we always on the back pitch?” – these are the fruits of your labour.

The current Irish team has referred to the steady growth of their success along with the multiplying fan base as “The Green Wave”. The biggest indication of how far the Green Wave has rolled was back in September when over 30,000 fans, the majority of whom were wearing green, came to Brighton to watch Ireland versus the mighty New Zealand Black Ferns.

The result of that match still hangs heavy over this Irish side. The 40-0 dominance of New Zealand was a reminder to Ireland that there is still a way to go for the Green Wave to have the power to consistently wipe out the top ranked teams.

The biggest test of power comes this weekend in the opening round versus world champions England. Over 75,000 tickets have been sold for the round one clash at Allianz Stadium and both teams have huge stories to tell.

England, with a small number of retirees, injuries and players on maternity leave, will be looking to prove that they are still worthy of the trophy in their cabinet even with those changes to their squad. The body of the team remains largely unchanged however and with head coach John Mitchell’s luxury of player depth there isn’t huge reason to believe that a World Cup hangover will present itself. Also – the Red Roses in front of record-breaking crowds in Twickenham? That’s their jam!

Ireland have to be up for this. The last time they came to a heaving Twickenham Stadium they suffered their biggest ever loss to England losing 88-10. It seemed that last year the tables were finally starting to turn when England came to Cork and led by just two points at the break. The vision of Amee-Leigh Costigan flying down the wing to dot down and then the trademark punch in the air in the opening stages of the match had us thinking – could it be? Is today the day? The final scoreline of 49-5 then snidely telling us – not today!

So, what about Saturday? Could it be the day for an Irish victory for the first time in 11 years? The thing is – no one in Irish camp is talking about an Irish victory. They’re talking about a performance. They’re focussing on their detail. They’re working on set-piece. One step at a time. Get it right. And if it doesn’t go right – focus on getting the next one right. Accept that England will be on fire but believe that Ireland will be on fire too. Don’t lie down. Don’t accept any indication of an onslaught. As the saying goes: get that right and the scoreline will take care of itself.

A big performance from Ireland and a scoreline that hangs in the balance right up to the dying moments would not just be proof that this Ireland squad is the real deal, but it would send a message. A message to France.

For so long the narrative for Ireland has been about “closing the gap”. That may still be the case for chasing down England, but the Irish squad can smell blood for later in this tournament. Ireland devastatingly crashed out of the World Cup with a sickening defeat to France marred with controversy and no doubt the Irish women have tossed and turned at night thinking about it. Make no mistake – Ireland are on a mission – and the mission starts on Saturday with the message they want to send across the channel.

England and France are Ireland’s two away games this year, whilst the remainder will be at home. Perhaps if they win their home games and produce a performance against England and/or France, we could be looking at the highest Irish finish in years.

So, buckle up! Enjoy the ride! Get your tickets! Bring your friends! We may have created something special – but the pen and paper is out again. Women’s sport continues to write its story and the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2026 is about to add another chapter.