Is Wales vs Ireland on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Women’s Six Nations fixture

Wales and Ireland meet in Cardiff to kick-off the 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

Both sides have introduced professional contracts for their women’s 15-a-side players in the last 18 months, and will hope that the investment can help close the gap to England and France.

Ireland were forced to watch on while the rest of the Six Nations field competed at the World Cup in New Zealand in the autumn, and begin without a number of key individuals with their sevens players unavailable, while Wales are also without a handful of stars.

While challenging either of the tournament’s big two may be beyond both sides, a third-placed finish in this year’s championship will secure qualification for the top tier of the inaugural WXV competition, which will be held later this year.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When is Wales vs Ireland?

Wales vs Ireland is due to kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 25 March at Cardiff Arms Park in the Welsh capital.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Women’s Six Nations on the BBC, with coverage of Wales vs Ireland on the BBC iPlayer, red button and via the BBC Sport website or app.

Team news

Wales coach Ioan Cunningham has named a largely settled Welsh side as he looks to continue to build his team. Hannah Jones again captains in midfield, where she is alongside Kerin Lake, while Jasmine Joyce’s participation with GB Sevens means Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann and former England international Carys Williams-Morris fill the back three.

Up front, converted lock Sisilia Tuipulotu gets a first Six Nations start at tighthead prop, while Bethan Lewis is backed at number eight ahead of the experienced Sioned Harries. Swansea-born back row Kate Williams, who spent her childhood in New Zealand, awaits a debut from the bench. Alisha Butchers is a major absentee.

Ireland meanwhile, hand out a first cap in their starting side. Ulster prop Sadhbh McGrath one of two potential debutant looseheads in the matchday 23, with Niamh O’Dowd her uncapped back-up on the bench. Nichola Fryday skippers the side in a talented second row combination with Sam Monaghan.

Three of the backline will make Six Nations debuts: Méabh Deely, Aoife Dalton and Natasja Behan all earned their first opportunities in an Ireland shirt against Japan last summer. Edel McMahon and Aoife Wafer have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Line-ups

Wales XV: Gwen Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu; Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb; Georgia Evans, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis; Keira Bevan, Elinor Snowsill; Carys Williams-Morris, Kerin Lake, Hannah Jones (capt.), Lisa Neumann; Courtney Keight.

Replacements: Kat Evans, Caryl Thomas, Cerys Hale, Kate Williams, Sioned Harries; Ffion Lewis, Lleucu George, Hannah Bluck.

Ireland XV: Sadhbh McGrath, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang; Nichola Fryday, Sam Monaghan; Dorothy Wall, Maeve Og O’Leary, Brittany Hogan; Molly Schuffil-McCabe, Nicole Cronin; Natasja Behan, Enya Breen, Aoife Dalton, Aoife Doyle; Meabh Deely.

Replacements: Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Niamh O’Dowd, Christy Haney, Jo Brown, Grace Moore Hannah O’Connor; Dannah O’Brien, Vicky Irwin.

Prediction

Ireland are significantly depleted by a number of high-profile absentees, particularly in their backline, which, though talented, has a slightly callow look. A more settled Welsh side should have enough to take victory. Wales 25-15 Ireland