EDINBURGH, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Ireland captain ‌Caelan Doris says it is important for his side to make a winning ‌start to their Six Nations campaign when they go up against defending champions ‌France in Paris next week.

The two countries, who have each won the Six Nations title twice in the last four editions, clash at the Stade de France on Thursday, February 5, in the opening game of ‍the 2026 tournament. The match, brought forward by 24 ‍hours so as not to clash ‌with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, pits two teams expected to stage another strong bid ‍for ​the title.