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06 Sept 2025

All you need to know as Ireland take on Romania in their Rugby World Cup opener

All you need to know as Ireland take on Romania in their Rugby World Cup opener

File photo. Credit: Sportsfile

Andy Farrell's men open their Rugby World Cup campaign this afternoon when they take on Romania in Bordeaux.

Ireland, the world’s top-ranked nation, are among the pre-tournament favourites and launch their campaign against Pool B minnows Romania in Bordeaux.

In-form Ireland arrived in France on a 13-match winning run but failed to fully convince during last month’s disjointed victories over Italy, England and Samoa in their preparations for a Pool B group that includes South Africa, Scotland and Tonga.

Where and when is the game on?

Ireland's first pool game will take place in the Stade de Bordeaux, France at 2.30pm.

Where can I watch?

The match will be live on Virgin Media with coverage starting at 2pm, while the game will also be streamed on Virgin Media Player.

What are the teams?

IRELAND: Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jonathan Sexton (C),  Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Caelan Doris. 

ROMANIA: Marius Simionescu; Nicolas Onutu, Fonovai Tangimana, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua; Hinckley Vaovasa, Gabriel Rupanu; Iulian Hartig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Alexandru Gordas; Adrian Motoc, Stefan Iancu; Florian Rosu, Vlad Neculau, Cristian Chirica (C).

What are the odds?

Ireland 1/1000

Draw 100/1

Romania 40/1

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