2009 Six Nations set for Friday game

The 2009 Six Nations Championship fixtures have been released, and England will play host to Italy in the opening game at Twickenham.

The 2009 Six Nations Championship fixtures have been released, and England will play host to Italy in the opening game at Twickenham.

However the biggest move by the tournament organisers sees the inclusion of a Friday evening game for the first time. The game, which will see France take on Wales at the Stade de France, will take place on Friday 27 February.

Speaking at the unveiling of the 2009 fixtures Six Nations Council Chairman, Jacques Laurans, revealed he was looking forward to the Championship already.

“The 2008 Six Nations Championship concluded recently on yet another high note,” Laurans said.

“The atmosphere in Cardiff was electric and I am convinced that next year's Championship will be equally as dramatic. Once again, the Championship brought huge television audiences in all its countries and we are looking forward to even more exciting matches and unpredictable results.”

2009 Six Nations

All kick-off times are GMT and correct at time of publishing

Week One
Saturday, 7 February
England v Italy, 15:00
Ireland v France, 17:00
Sunday, 8 February
Scotland v Wales, 15:00

Week Two
Saturday, 14 February
France v Scotland, 15:00
Wales v England, 17.30
Sunday 15 February
Italy v Ireland, 14:30

Week Three
Friday, 27 February
France v Wales, 20:00
Saturday, 28 February
Scotland v Italy, 15:00
Ireland v England, 17:30

Week Four
Saturday, 14 March
Italy v Wales, 15:00
Scotland v Ireland, 17:00
Sunday 15 March
England v France, 15:00

Week Five
Saturday, 21 March
Italy v France, 13:15
England v Scotland, 15:30
Wales v Ireland, 17:30