What channel is Wales vs Ireland on? Kick-off time and live stream info

04 February 2023 , 07:00

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Wales are set to take on Ireland in the Six Nations opener in Cardiff (Image: Getty Images)

The Six Nations makes its highly-anticipated return this weekend with Wales facing Ireland in a bumper opening showdown in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland is returning for his second stint in the Wales hot seat after Wayne Pivac was axed from his position after a dismal autumn campaign.

Gatland led Wales to three Grand Slam crowns in his first spell in charge and his return has offered renewed optimism in the rugby-adoring nation after the humiliating home defeats to Italy and Georgia in 2022.

But the New Zealander faces perhaps the hardest possible task in this year's championship first up with a battle against the number one ranked Test side in the world.

Andy Farrell's Ireland have looked unstoppable ever since assuming their no.1 ranking following a historic series victory over New Zealand last summer.

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Farrell's men are considered favourites for the championship alongside last year's Grand Slam winners France.

And the opener against Wales could prove decisive ahead of a tantalising battle against Fabien Galthie's exciting French side in Dublin.

The two teams are strong contenders for the World Cup and Ireland have the first opportunity to lay down marker with a strong away performance in Cardiff.

Farrell's Ireland are favourites to beat Gatland's Wales (PA)

But Gatland is comfortable in the underdog setting after guiding Wales to improbable Grand Slam glory in 2008 and will relish the challenge of inflicting defeat on his former side.

This heavyweight contest is a blockbuster curtain-raiser for a championship that could define what happens later on in this year's World Cup.

And this year's championship will be under the global spotlight after the announcement that Netflix will be producing a fly-on-the-wall series on the action that unfolds.

What time is Wales vs Ireland?

The 2023 Six Nations Opener at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff will kick-off at 2:15pm.

Where can I watch it?

Wales vs Ireland will be shown live on BBC, with coverage starting at 1:15pm. The match will also be available on the BBC's iPlayer streaming service.

Team news

Wales: L Williams; Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer; Biggar, T Williams; G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis, Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Subs: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O Williams, Cuthbert.

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Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Bealham; Beirne, Ryan; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Subs: Herring, Healy, O'Toole, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Byrne, Aki.

Ben Parsons