Before that, we look at what's changed, what's hot, what's not, their championship record and squad news as Simon Easterby takes charge with Andy Farrell on Lions duty.
Six Nations title winners in , Ireland's form has suffered of late and they are under pressure to perform heading into Ireland are off the back of an inconsistent on the whole. Following the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup in , they started magnificently with a stunning Six Nations victory over France in Marseille but were denied the chance for historic back-to-back Grand Slams after late defeat to England at Twickenham in Round 4.
Facing a tough summer tour to world No 1 South Africa, they lost the first Test but then hit back with a brilliant second Test showing and last-gasp win over the Springboks in Durban to draw the series In November, they were far from their best in a defeat to New Zealand, but did respond with victories over Argentina, Fiji and Australia - each with varying levels of performance, it must be said.
In , Ireland host England and France, alongside a tough trip to Scotland. Here's everything you need to know ahead of Ireland's opening fixture with England at the Aviva For the Grand Slam, Johnny Sexton led the side in his final season, while back-row Peter O'Mahony was skipper for the title succession last year. Scotland captain Tuipulotu ruled out of Six Nations. Easterby names first Ireland squad as Farrell stand-in for Six Nations. Lions tour Fixtures, schedule, venues. With O'Mahony now 35 and in all likelihood into his final season of professional rugby, Andy Farrell made the decision to promote Doris for the autumn Tests, and the forceful No 8 will be under a spotlight to lead well and quieten suggestions this is an Ireland side on the decline.
Speaking of Farrell, he will not be part of the Ireland coaching staff for this championship, departing on his secondment as British and Irish Lions head coach. Simon Easterby, who has coached with Ireland since in charge of the forwards and then defence, takes over as interim head coach. The main team news talking point this year surrounds out-half.
