A strong start will be crucial to Ireland's hopes of overcoming reigning Six Nations champions France in Thursday's curtain-raiser, believes lock James Ryan.

Ireland visit the Stade de France for the opening match of the 2026 championship later this week, with the contest being brought forward one day to avoid clashing with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.

Ireland won the Six Nations in both 2023 and 2024 – achieving the Grand Slam in the former instance – but finished third last year, losing 42-27 at home to France on the penultimate weekend. 

They have also not beaten Les Bleus in Paris since 2018, and though France have picked an experimental 42-man squad for the competition, Ryan has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to play catch-up.

"I think a big start is definitely unbelievably important for us," Ryan said, per BBC Sport.

"They get their tails up and the crowd get behind them, and they're into their flow, so a fast start for us is always important, but particularly so this weekend.

"I think going away from home over in Paris, you've got to start well."

A big week ahead. pic.twitter.com/ifd854rmEX

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 2, 2026

Fabian Galthie's France team are known for their efficiency in the set-piece game, and in an attempt to combat that, Ireland could look to uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo.

Edogbo was one of two uncapped players called up by Andy Farrell, alongside Nathan Doak, and Ryan has been impressed by the 23-year-old's impact in training.

"He's hit the ground running really well here, and he's a serious athlete," Ryan said of Edogbo.

"Since he's come back from a long lay-off with the injuries he's had, he's been really impressive. He's been great since he's come in."