Ireland host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday 21 February 2026, in a Round 2 fixture of the Guinness Six Nations Championship. This is a meeting between two sides with genuine title ambitions, and the result could have a decisive impact on the destination of the 2026 championship. Ireland’s home record in Dublin has been formidable in recent years, making the Aviva Stadium one of the toughest venues to visit in world rugby.
What is the Six Nations?
The Guinness Six Nations is the premier annual international rugby union competition in the northern hemisphere, bringing together England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales every February and March. The championship traces its roots back to 1883 and expanded to six teams with the addition of Italy in 2000. Each team plays five matches, and the side that wins all five claims the Grand Slam. The Triple Crown is awarded to whichever of the home nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales) beats the other three.
When is Ireland vs Scotland?
The match takes place on Saturday 21 February 2026 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This is a Round 2 fixture, with both teams having already played their opening match of the championship. An afternoon kick-off is expected, with coverage beginning shortly before the scheduled start time.
Where is Ireland vs Scotland?
The Aviva Stadium is located in Lansdowne Road in Dublin 4, on the site of the former Lansdowne Road ground. Opened in 2010, the stadium has a capacity of 51,711 and serves as the home of Irish rugby and football. It is one of the most compact and atmospheric grounds in international rugby, with spectators close to the pitch. The stadium is well connected by DART rail and Dublin Bus, with Lansdowne Road station directly adjacent. Ireland have been virtually unbeatable at the Aviva Stadium in the Six Nations, winning 15 of their 17 championship matches in Dublin since 2020, with both defeats coming against France.
Key Contenders
Ireland, under Andy Farrell, have been one of the most consistent teams in world rugby. They won the Six Nations title in 2024 and have reached the number one ranking in the world. With a squad rich in experience and depth across all positions, Ireland combine a powerful set piece with clinical attacking play. At the Aviva Stadium, they are formidable, and Scotland have not won a Six Nations match in Dublin since 2010.
Scotland have emerged as genuine contenders under Gregor Townsend, capable of beating any side on their day. Their forward pack has improved significantly, and they possess match-winners across the backline. However, their record in Dublin remains a significant hurdle. Scotland’s last championship victory at this venue came at the old Lansdowne Road, and they have never won at the current Aviva Stadium in the Six Nations. Overcoming that psychological barrier would represent a landmark achievement for this Scottish generation.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the Six Nations is broadcast free-to-air on BBC and ITV. In Ireland, coverage is shared between RTE and Virgin Media, both free-to-air. France Televisions carries all matches in France. In the United States, NBC holds the broadcast rights with all matches available on Peacock. Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport (New Zealand), SuperSport (Africa), ESPN Sur (South America), and WOWOW (Japan) provide coverage in their respective regions. Additional European broadcasters include Viaplay across the Nordic countries and Sport TV in Portugal.
History and Records
Ireland and Scotland have contested this fixture since 1877, making it one of the oldest rivalries in international rugby. Ireland have traditionally held the upper hand, particularly in Dublin. The 2024 Six Nations saw Ireland claim the title with a commanding campaign, while Scotland have been climbing the world rankings and are now firmly established among the top tier of Test nations. Ireland hold 16 outright Six Nations titles across all formats, while Scotland have 14. In the modern Six Nations era (since 2000), Ireland have won the championship six times to Scotland’s none.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for Ireland’s home Six Nations matches are distributed primarily through rugby clubs affiliated with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), with any remaining allocation made available to members of the Irish Rugby Supporters Club. Due to the Aviva Stadium’s relatively modest capacity (51,711 for a Six Nations venue), tickets are in extremely high demand and typically sell out well in advance. Hospitality packages are available through the Aviva Stadium and authorised partners, offering premium seating and dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ireland vs Scotland kick off?
The match takes place on Saturday 21 February 2026 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with an afternoon kick-off.
Where is Ireland vs Scotland being held?
At the Aviva Stadium in Dublin 4, which has a capacity of 51,711.
How can I watch Ireland vs Scotland?
In the UK, the match is on BBC or ITV free-to-air. In Ireland, watch on RTE or Virgin Media. In the US, stream on Peacock (NBC).
When did Scotland last win in Dublin?
Scotland’s last Six Nations victory in Dublin was in 2010 at Croke Park. They have never won at the current Aviva Stadium in the championship.