RTÉ and Virgin Media have announced a first-ever collaboration that will see the men’s and women’s Six Nations broadcast in full on free-to-air television.
All the matches from both tournaments, as well as the men’s under-20 championship, will be shown across the stations’ TV channels and online platforms.
RTÉ will broadcast the opening clash of the men’s tournament at home to Wales on Saturday February 5 and away to England on March 11.
Virgin Media will carry the three remaining games, away to France (February 12) and at home to Italy (February 26) and Scotland (19 March).
Coach Andy Farrell is set to announce his squad for the tournament later today, with a number of positions up for grabs, particularly the role of Johnny Sexton's understudy at out-half.
Broadcast details for the women’s Six Nations which, for the first time, has its own separate window from March 26 to April 30, will be released closer to the date.
RTÉ director general Dee Forbes said: "There's always great excitement among sports fans at this time of the year about the start of the Six Nations Rugby action.
“And more so this year with all three tournaments - men's, women's and Under-20s - being available, free-to-air, on RTÉ and Virgin Media Ireland.
"We are delighted to have the Guinness Six Nations back on RTÉ and we are looking forward to bringing great coverage and analysis of all three Championships to audiences across our services."
