Ireland

Ireland are pinning their hopes on referee Nigel Owens to clamp down any dangerous play initiated against their players when they head to Paris on Saturday to take on France in the Six Nations opener.

Joe Schmidt has decided to ignore Eddie Jones claiming Ireland as favourites and not become distracted by the defending champions' head coach's "grenade" of claiming England will be weakened by injury in the NatWest 6 Nations.

As the Six Nations 2018 tournament is set to kick-off on 3rd February, we take a look at few of the key points.

Leinster wing Jordan Larmour will be the only uncapped player included in Ireland's 36-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne stated that the board will consider changes in recruitment policies following the controversial signing of lock Gerbrant Grobler by Munster.

Ireland international Tommy Bowe has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

Ireland international CJ Stander has extended his stay with Pro 14 club Munster after signing a new three-year deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Rugby Rumours: Castaway Cooper, North leaves Northampton, O'Mahony picks sides and Banahan out of Bath

Ireland international Jordi Murphy will make a switch from Pro 14 club Leinster to rivals Ulster at the end of the ongoing Pro 14 season.

Former British and Irish Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll expressed disappointment on Ireland missing out on the opportunity to host the 2023 World Cup.

Winger Jacob Stockdale scored a try apiece on either half as Ireland resisted late fightback from Argentina with a 28-19 win to complete a clean sweep in the autumn internationals at Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Ireland and Leinster will miss the services of fly-half Joey Carbery for up to two months following a fractured wrist that he sustained during the recently concluded clash against Fiji at Aviva Stadium last weekend.

A double penalty from Ian Keatley proved vital as Ireland managed to edge out Fiji 23-20 in their second game of the autumn international campaign at Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made 13 changes to his line-up for the upcoming encounter against Fiji to be played at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has confirmed France as the host for the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup following a voting process in London on Wednesday.

Ireland are likely to miss the services of flanker Peter O'Mahony for their upcoming autumn international encounter against Fiji to be played on Saturday in Dublin.

A dominating performance from Ireland saw them register their biggest win over South Africa as they started the autumn international campaign with a resounding 38-3 victory at Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Auckland born Connacht centre Bundee Aki is all set to make his debut for Ireland after he was named in the starting line-up for the upcoming clash against South Africa at Aviva Stadium.

NatWest has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the Six Nations tournament for the 2018 edition.

Munster flanker Tommy O'Donnell is a doubtful starter for Ireland's autumn internationals opener against South Africa at Aviva Stadium following a shoulder injury.