The 2026 Men’s Six Nations is almost here, and for the first time in championship history, the tournament will begin on a Thursday night.
Ireland travel to Paris to face reigning champions France at the Stade de France on 5 February, launching what promises to be another fiercely contested campaign.
The opening weekend continues with Scotland visiting Italy in Rome, before Wales head to Twickenham to reignite one of rugby’s greatest rivalries against England. Wales will be desperate to respond after their humbling defeat to England in March.
Title Race Taking Shape
Several teams look capable of lifting the trophy.
England arrive in confident mood after a stellar year that included 11 straight victories, among them an impressive win over New Zealand. But France, the defending champions, will not surrender their crown easily — especially with talismanic captain Antoine Dupont expected to return to lead the side.
Ireland, under Andy Farrell, know exactly what it takes to win the Six Nations. They claimed the most recent Grand Slam in 2023 and remain one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
Wales, meanwhile, are still rebuilding. Although they managed to halt a losing streak in 2025, they face an uphill battle, particularly with Jac Morgan ruled out of the opening rounds after dislocating his shoulder during the Autumn Nations Series. The Gloucester-bound flanker’s absence is a significant blow.
Injury concerns elsewhere include Ireland’s Jamie Osborne, Hugo Keenan, Ryan Baird and Mack Hansen, France’s Maxime Lucu, and England prop Will Stuart.
Key Information
Dates: Thursday 5 February – Saturday 14 March 2026
Teams: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales
Fixtures
Round 1
Thursday 5 February
France v Ireland | Stade de France
Saturday 7 February
Italy v Scotland | Stadio Olimpico, Rome
England v Wales | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Round 2
Saturday 14 February
Ireland v Italy | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Scotland v England | Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sunday 15 February
Wales v France | Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Round 3
Saturday 21 February
England v Ireland | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Wales v Scotland | Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Sunday 22 February
France v Italy | Stade Pierre Mauroy
Round 4
Friday 6 March
Ireland v Wales | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday 7 March
Scotland v France | Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Italy v England | Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Round 5
Saturday 14 March
Ireland v Scotland | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales v Italy | Principality Stadium, Cardiff
France v England | Stade de France
English