Ireland vs Italy: A Complete Rugby Rivalry Analysis
January 26, 2026 – The Six Nations Championship is one of rugby’s most storied tournaments, and few rivalries within it are as statistically lopsided as that between Ireland and Italy. As the 2026 tournament approaches, we examine the history, key statistics, and what to expect when these two sides meet again.
A Dominant Historical Record
The head-to-head record between Ireland and Italy in men’s rugby union is one of the most one-sided in international sport. Since their first meeting in 1988, Ireland has established a commanding historical advantage.
Head-to-Head Statistics (Men’s Rugby Union)
| Statistic | Ireland | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 37 | 37 |
| Ireland Wins | 33 | 4 |
| Italy Wins | 4 | 4 |
| Draws | 0 | 0 |
| Ireland Win Percentage | 89% | 11% |
| Biggest Winning Margin (Points) | 55 | 15 |
Recent Six Nations Encounters
The rivalry has been defined by Ireland’s continued dominance in the modern Six Nations era. The last two meetings have resulted in comfortable victories for the Irish.
2025 Six Nations: Ireland travelled to Rome and secured a 22-17 bonus-point victory over Italy on March 15, 2025. Hooker Dan Sheehan scored a hat-trick of tries in a match where Ireland’s performance was described as “far from convincing” but ultimately job done.
2024 Six Nations: In Dublin, Ireland delivered a commanding 36-0 shutout victory over Italy on February 11, 2024. Fly-half Jack Crowley scored his first Test try in a dominant display that saw Italy kept scoreless.
Key Match Statistics (2025 Six Nations)
The 2025 encounter in Rome highlighted Ireland’s efficiency and Italy’s growing resilience. Despite winning the possession battle (57% to 43%) and territory (66% to 34%), Ireland only narrowly outscored Italy in tries (4 to 2). Ireland’s lineout and maul were dominant, winning all four of their mauls, while Italy’s discipline proved costly with two yellow cards and a red card.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The next chapter in this rivalry is scheduled for February 14, 2026, when Ireland will host Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off is set for 14:10 UTC (9:10 AM Eastern Time).
For the 2026 Six Nations tournament, France will host Ireland in the opening fixture on Thursday night, February 5, 2026. The full fixture list for the 2026 championship was confirmed in the lead-up to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch Ireland vs. Italy in Canada?
For the 2026 Six Nations and the upcoming Ireland vs. Italy match, DAZN holds the exclusive broadcasting rights in Canada. Matches will be streamed live and on-demand through the DAZN platform.
What is the biggest win Ireland has over Italy?
Ireland’s largest winning margin is a 57-point victory, achieved in a 57-6 win during the 2022 Six Nations tournament.
What is the biggest win Italy has over Ireland?
Italy’s largest winning margin is a 15-point victory, which occurred in Rome during the 2013 Six Nations tournament, with a final score of 22-15.
When did Italy last beat Ireland?
Italy’s last victory over Ireland in the Six Nations tournament occurred on March 16, 2013, in Rome, with a final score of 22-15.
What is the average score in an Ireland vs. Italy match?
Based on the historical record, the average score in matches between these two sides heavily favours Ireland. However, recent encounters suggest Italy is becoming more competitive, with narrower margins of defeat.