Ireland Six Nations 2026 Odds: Boys in Green 15/2 Third Favourites

Ireland Six Nations 2026 Odds: Boys in Green 15/2 Third Favourites

 

Ireland arrive into the 2026 Six Nations with recent silverware still in the memory bank, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2024. Despite that success, the betting markets are far from convinced that another title is on the way. Andy Farrell continues at the helm, overseeing a squad that has proven it can compete at the very highest level, yet current best odds of 15/2 leave Ireland positioned as only the third most likely winners of this year’s championship.

Those numbers place the men in green some distance behind the front two in the betting. France head the market as odds-on favourites to defend the crown they secured in 2025. Their status at the top of the list is hardly surprising. Last season, four victories were enough to carry them to the summit of the table, and one of those wins came in emphatic style away in Dublin, where they ran out 42–27 winners.

 

Ireland Face a Brutal Opening Assignment in Paris

If Ireland were hoping for a gentle start to the tournament, the fixture list has had other ideas. Their opening match sends them to the French capital on a Thursday night, a setting that promises noise, pressure and very little sympathy. The Stade de France will be packed with expectation, and Fabien Galthié’s side are expected to begin with a statement performance.

The betting reflects that outlook. France are installed as clear favourites to take the opening fixture, with Ireland facing long odds of pulling off an early upset. To underline how heavily the contest is weighted, the handicap has been pitched at 13.5 points. This allows backers to take Ireland with a +13.5 start at odds close to 19/20 if they believe Farrell’s men can either win, draw or keep the margin to thirteen points or fewer.

However, memories of last season’s contest at the Aviva Stadium may push some towards the hosts instead. France emerged with a fifteen-point victory on that occasion, and with their current attacking depth, many will feel confident that they can once again cover the spread.

 

Triple Crown Still Within Reach for Ireland

Even if Ireland stumble at the first hurdle, their campaign would not be beyond repair. A defeat in Paris does not rule out Triple Crown honours, and that prize could yet become a central target. The key encounter in that regard is scheduled for their third match, which takes place at Twickenham against an England side showing clear signs of improvement.

England were the only team to defeat France during last year’s championship, edging them out in a tight contest. That result highlighted their ability to rise to major occasions. Steve Borthwick has endured criticism during difficult periods, but his team are still considered strong contenders for the Triple Crown.

The bookmakers make England odds-on to secure that particular honour, pricing them at around 9/10, while Ireland are available at approximately 4/1. It is viewed largely as a two-way contest, with Scotland and Wales not fancied to overcome both of the major Home Nations challengers.

 

Sheehan Leads the Way in Try-Scorer Markets

Among the individual betting categories available, the market for each nation’s leading try-scorer has attracted interest. For Ireland, Dan Sheehan sits prominently at the head of the list at 13/8. His strike rate at international level has been impressive, with seventeen tries already recorded in his career.

Two of those came during last summer’s British & Irish Lions tour, while his Six Nations output in 2025 included five tries overall. Three of those were scored against Italy, alongside further efforts versus England and France. That sequence established him as a consistent threat close to the line.

Given current injury concerns affecting other attacking players, Sheehan’s role could become even more prominent. Tommy O’Brien is regarded as a likely challenger in this market, with James Lowe and Jacob Stockdale also positioned at similar prices to compete for the same accolade.

 

Ireland Outsiders to Outscore the Field

From a team scoring perspective, Ireland will be keen to increase their output compared to last season. Their total haul across the 2025 championship amounted to 135 points, a respectable figure but well short of the benchmark set by France.

There were positive moments, including scoring 27 points at home against both France and England. Away from Dublin, however, matches proved harder work. A narrow 22–17 win in Rome was followed by 32–18 and 27–18 victories in Scotland and Wales respectively.

France, in contrast, were ruthless in attack. Their most eye-catching display came in a 73–24 demolition of Italy, and they finished the tournament with a towering total of 218 points. Once again, they are favoured to top the try-scoring charts, with best odds of 17/20. Ireland are quoted much further back at approximately 9/2, reflecting the gap between the two sides’ recent attacking production. Whether that assessment proves accurate will become clearer once the opening round of matches is complete.

 

Key Irish Names in Player of the Tournament Conversation

The race to be named Player of the Championship is always one of the most intriguing side stories of the Six Nations. Predictably, Antoine Dupont heads the betting once more. The French captain has already won the award three times and remains the heartbeat of his side.

However, there is room for Irish representation in that conversation. Dan Sheehan’s performances for the Lions last summer demonstrated his standing as one of the game’s elite forwards, and his influence could be significant again this spring. Caelan Doris is another name expected to be among the contenders.

The Leinster number eight has accumulated individual honours in recent seasons, including selection in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. His domestic success has been equally impressive, helping Leinster to five Pro14 titles. At just 27 years of age, he continues to be a central figure in Ireland’s tactical structure.

Jamison Gibson-Park completes the trio of likely Irish challengers in this market. The scrum-half has become a key organiser for club and country and added further lustre to his career by making his Lions debut during their victorious tour of Australia. The 33-year-old’s control of tempo and decision-making have made him one of the standout players in his position at international level.

 

Six Nations Free Bet Offer

 

For those following Ireland’s fortunes with one eye on the fixture list and the other on the odds, there is no shortage of bookmaker free bets and free bet bonuses doing the rounds ahead of the championship. One eye-catching option comes from leading bookmaker BOYLE Sports, who are currently offering Irish customers a Bet €10 Get €70 in free bets deal. It may not fix Ireland’s injury list or soften a trip to Paris, but it does at least add an extra layer of interest to what promises to be a tense and unpredictable Six Nations campaign.