Ireland’s first Six Nations game takes place today - How you can watch it

Ireland will kick-start their Six Nations title defense by hosting England at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Grand Slam champions Ireland will be looking to build on the nation’s most successful year ever, culminating in an outstanding victory over New Zealand in November.

In what is being billed as an early title decider, Ireland has never lost at home in the Six Nations under manager Joe Schmidt.

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The Ireland rugby team will be looking to retain their Six Nations title when they face England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Getty Images

Despite finishing fifth last year, six-time champions England had a promising autumn spell but have not won in Dublin since 2013 and Schmidt’s side are short-priced favorites for the game.

Ireland’s final game in the competition is away to Wales on March 16th, the same day St. Patrick’s Day parades are celebrated in the US.

Ireland is ranked second in the world, two places higher than their visitors.

How to watch

The match kicks-off at 11:45 am EST (4.45pm GMT) on Saturday, February 2.

In the US, the game will be broadcast and streamed on NBC Sports Gold, coverage begins at 9:30 am EST.

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For viewers in Ireland, Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Sport will show the match live, with coverage getting underway at 1 pm GMT taking in the meeting of Scotland and Italy.

For UK viewer’s the match will be live on ITV and streamed on the ITV Hub.

Some popular venues to watch the big game stateside:

Will you be watching the game this Saturday?
Where will you watch it? Let us know in the comments below!