End of an era.

Ireland and Wales will lock horns this weekend at the Principality Stadium in the final round of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations – with so much on the line for both sides.

Undefeated Wales are gunning for a rare Six Nations Grand Slam, while Ireland can still defend their title with a win, although they would also require Scotland to get a result against England for this to happen.

But outside of the obvious Six Nations title permutations – this game is absolutely massive for so many reasons. Firstly whoever wins this game will be ranked 2nd in the World Rugby Rankings, with Wales in a position to overtake their rivals.

Saturday’s fixture will also mark the end of an era with Ireland boss Joe Schmidt and Wales head coach Warren Gatland both set to take charge of their final Six Nations game – arguably the two most successful Six Nations coaches of the modern era.

The two New Zealanders have long been rivals and will also have a bit of a battle within a battle going on Saturday because the winner will have the better head-to-head Six Nations record. Schmidt will also be hoping to bow out having achieved something he’s never done before and that’s a Six Nations victory in Cardiff.

And if all that wasn’t enough – Ireland captain Rory Best will bid farewell to the Six Nations on Saturday with the Ulster hooker set to retire after the World Cup in Japan.

There’s probably more too we’re forgetting about but regardless it’s quite clear – this weekend’s game is absolutely massive for so many reasons. And we simply cannot wait.