Watch Ireland v Italy Women's Six Nations 2026: Virgin Media One HD Coverage with Joe Molloy, David McIntyre and Star Pundits

The highly anticipated Ireland v Italy clash in the Guinness Women's Six Nations 2026 takes place today at Dexcom Stadium in Galway, kicking off at 17:40 UK time. This historic match marks the first ever Women's Six Nations fixture at the newly renovated home of Connacht Rugby, following its official opening in January, and promises a milestone occasion for Irish rugby.[2][7]

UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand viewers have prime options to catch the action. In Ireland, tune into Virgin Media One HD and stream via Virgin Media Play (geo-restricted), featuring a top-notch broadcast team. Internationally, Sky Sport 2 NZ HD in New Zealand, Stan Sport in Australia, Premier Sports Asia (subscription, geo-restricted) and Peacock USA (subscription, geo-restricted) will air the game.[1][5]

Leading the Virgin Media coverage is experienced presenter Joe Molloy, a familiar face in Irish sports broadcasting with over two decades covering rugby, soccer and GAA for Virgin Media and previously RTE. Providing expert commentary are main commentator David McIntyre, renowned for his articulate World Rugby and Premiership calls, and co-commentator Grace Davitt, a former Ireland international who transitioned seamlessly into punditry with her insightful analysis on FloRugby and now Virgin Media.

The studio boasts an all-star pundit line-up including Fiona Hayes, the trailblazing former Ireland captain who won 45 caps and later coached at Munster, offering tactical depth; Jenny Murphy, ex-Ireland centre with 34 caps and a standout performer in the 2013 Six Nations; and Eimear Considine, the versatile back with 20 Ireland appearances, known for her try-scoring prowess and recent coaching roles. Reporter Ger Treacy will deliver pitch-side updates, bringing her sharp Virgin Media reporting to the fore.

Ireland, under head coach Scott Bemand, enter Round 2 after a 33-12 defeat to England in Round 1, aiming to spark a 'Green Wave' at Dexcom Stadium against Italy, who lost 40-7 to France.[1][4][5] Hosting duties in Galway hark back to a 15-8 win over Canada in 2006, with tickets still available for this landmark crowd-puller.[2][7] Italy, coached by Fabio Roselli, field a squad featuring reserves like Silvia Turani and Michela Sillari.[1]

Officials include referee Ella Goldsmith, assistants Ben Connor and Rebecca Piddlesden, with Graham Cooper on TMO duties.[3] While BBC covers other matches like Scotland v England and Wales v France earlier today, Ireland fans flock to Virgin Media for this evening showdown.[5][6]

For more on the Guinness Women's Six Nations, visit the official Six Nations website. Don't miss Ireland's bid to bounce back in this thrilling Round 2 encounter – a must-watch for rugby enthusiasts across Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

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Article generated: 18 April 2026, 17:45 GMT