Robert Baloucoune of Ireland scores his side's second try during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ireland reborn

Published: Sat 21 Feb 2026, 4:19 PM

Last updated: Sat 21 Feb 2026, 4:42 PM

Ireland produced their best performance for some time to overpower England at Twickenham this afternoon, Andy Farrell's men winning 42-21.

Ireland led 22-7 at half-time and they were accurate and efficient, tries coming from Jamison Gibson-Park, Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O'Brien. Dan Sheehan got a bonus-point try on the restart and Jamie Osbourne got a superb fifth in the 70th minute.

Ireland are up to second place on the Six Nations table behind France after a superb display. They face Wales next at the Aviva Stadium in just under two weeks' time (Friday, March 6, 8.10pm).

"It's a special feeling. You could feel the Irish here when the anthem was played - it seemed like there was more of them here than English! There is a lot of belief at the core of what we are doing and with so many Irish fans here today, that brought a bit of ferocity into what we were doing," said captain Caelan Doris.