There will be a break with tradition at Lansdowne Road on March 6th for Ireland's Five Nations Championship game against England as the IRFU have announced a 4.0pm kick-off. The simple reason for the later starting time is to accommodate television scheduling.

The Five Nations committee has decreed that where possible the starting times of the test matches should be staggered to provide the optimum live coverage. On the same afternoon, France entertain Wales in the Stade de France at 2.0pm.

Ireland's opening Five Nations match against France at Lansdowne Road on February 6th will start at 2.15 with the other international involving Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield starting at 4.15.