Match Day Programme: Ireland v England

A big hitter on this weekend's fixture list is a warm-up match between Ireland and England. With both teams coming from a win in their last games, they will look to carry the momentum into the next game and all the way through to the Rugby World Cup in France next month. Thank you for joining us, this is Ultimate Rugby, Match Day! 

Fixture: Ireland and England 

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin 

Kickoff Time: 5pm GMT 

Referee: Paul Williams 

Head-to-head Played: 

Played: 140 

Ireland Wins: 80 

England Wins: 52 

Draws: 8 

Points for:  

Ireland: 1 263 

England: 1 730 

Biggest winning margin: 

Ireland: 42 (24 August 2019) 

England: 57 (24 August 2019) 

Last Meeting: 18 March 2023, Ireland 29-16 England, Aviva Stadium, Dublin 

Last 5 Results 

Ireland 

W 33-17 (h) v Italy 

W 29-16 (h) v England 

L 7-22 (a) v Scotland 

W 20-34 (a) v Italy 

W 32-19 (h) v France 

England 

L 19-17 (h) v Wales 

L 20-9 (a) v Wales 

L 29-16 (a) Ireland 

L 10-53 (h) v France 

W 10-20 (h) v Wales 

Team News: 

England: With the absence of skipper Owen Farrel, England’s preparations both for Ireland and the World Cup will have been disrupted. George Ford, who makes his first Test start since 2021, will look to fill in the gap and put in an impressive shift as he did off the bench in the previous fixture against Wales. Ford is one six changes Borthwick has made to the starting lineup that beat Wales last week. Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Anthony Watson, Ellis Genge and David Ribbans are the other changes. Courtney Lawes will captain the side in his 99th Test match. 

Ireland: Ireland will concede their place at the top of the world rankings to New Zealand if they lose to England and could fall as low as fourth should other results go against them but is unlikely as Andy Farrell’s side will be favorites to win the game, having won three of their last outings against England. James Ryan will captain Ireland in the final home match before the Rugby World Cup. Back-row, Cian Prendergast will make his debut while Keith Earls will look to win his 100th cap off the bench.