RTÉ and Virgin Media Television have confirmed full details of another landmark joint broadcast agreement for the 2026 Women’s Six Nations Championship, ensuring every match will be available live and free-to-air for audiences across Ireland.

The partnership reflects the growing momentum behind women’s rugby, with both broadcasters committing to extensive multi-platform coverage, expert analysis and comprehensive storytelling throughout the tournament.

The Championship will get underway on Saturday, 11 April, with France v Italy on RTÉ Player, followed by England v Ireland live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. The opening weekend concludes with Wales v Scotland on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media PLAY.

Coverage will then alternate between both broadcasters across the duration of the competition, maintaining consistent visibility for the tournament.

Multi-Platform Coverage Across RTÉ

RTÉ’s offering will span RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ Player, supported by digital content across RTÉ Sport platforms.

Television coverage will be fronted by Jacqui Hurley, with commentary from Hugh Cahill. Analysis will be provided by a panel including Fiona Coghlan, Lindsay Peat and Hannah Tyrrell.

Additional coverage will include weekly insights via the RTÉ Rugby Podcast, hosted by Neil Treacy alongside Bernard Jackman, as well as rolling updates on RTÉ News platforms.

RTÉ Radio 1 will broadcast live commentary of all Ireland fixtures, led by Michael Corcoran, joined across the tournament by contributors including Fiona Coghlan, Nichola Fryday, Tania Rosser and Sharon Lynch.

In a further boost for accessibility, selected matches — including England v Ireland and Ireland v Wales — will also be broadcast in Irish across RTÉ platforms, with additional coverage on Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Virgin Media’s Expert-Led Coverage

Virgin Media Television will deliver its coverage across Virgin Media One, Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media PLAY.

Programming will be led by Joe Molloy, alongside a panel featuring former internationals Fiona Hayes, Eimear Considine, Jenny Murphy and Grace Davitt.

The broadcaster will supplement live coverage with match reaction, analysis via Virgin Media News, and weekly discussion on the VMTV Rugby Pod, alongside highlights and behind-the-scenes content across its digital channels.

Aviva Stadium Fixture Marks Historic Moment

A standout moment in this year’s Championship will see Ireland Women play at the Aviva Stadium for the first time, hosting Scotland on Sunday, 17 May.

The fixture will be broadcast live and free-to-air on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media PLAY, representing a major step forward in the visibility and profile of the women’s game in Ireland.

“Given the dramatic nature of the men’s tournament which engaged so many, we are delighted to now move to the Women’s Six Nations,” said Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport at RTÉ. “We know the country will get behind the team as we join Ireland on a new Six Nations adventure.”

Brian Gleeson, Head of Sport at Virgin Media Television, added that the Championship represents “a defining moment for Irish sport,” highlighting the significance of the Aviva Stadium fixture and the importance of making every match accessible to fans nationwide.

The joint approach from RTÉ and Virgin Media Television once again underlines the increasing commercial and cultural importance of women’s sport in Ireland. With wall-to-wall free-to-air coverage, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations is positioned to reach its widest audience yet, strengthening engagement and providing a powerful platform for the continued growth of the game.

 

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