Six Nations 2026 fixtures announced as Championship kicks off with Thursday night clash in restructured format

Adam Kyriacou 19 May 2025 12:55 PM

Antoine Dupont and France lift Six Nations trophy.

The fixtures for the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations have been confirmed, with the Championship kicking off on Thursday, February 5 when France face Ireland.

Les Bleus begin their title defence two days before the remainder of the opening round concludes on Saturday, February 7 with Italy v Scotland and England against Wales.

France have three home games in 2026, hosting Italy in Round Three and England in Round Five, with ‘Le Crunch’ in Paris the final fixture of Super Saturday on March 14.

Round Two will kick off on Saturday, February 14 with Ireland v Italy in Dublin before Scotland host England in the Calcutta Cup with Wales against France on the Sunday.

No early break

There would usually be a week’s break thereafter but that’s not the case for Six Nations 2026 as Round Three is scheduled on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday (February 21 and 22). Two games take place on the Saturday afternoon as England tackle Ireland before Wales take on Scotland. The lone Sunday fixture sees France play host to Italy.

After a rest week, Round Four starts with a Friday night game to kick off the action as Ireland host Wales. Saturday sees Scotland face France before Italy take on England.

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The 2026 Championship will finish on Saturday, March 14, aka ‘Super Saturday’, with Ireland v Scotland, Wales v Italy and finally France v England the tournament finale.