The Six Nations kicks off this week on Thursday, February 5, with a fresh set of storylines heading into the opening round of the championship.
Below is the full Six Nations round-one schedule, including kick-off times, how to watch each match live, and the latest betting odds for every fixture.
What is the Six Nations?
The Six Nations is an annual international rugby union tournament contested by England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy, with the title awarded to the leading nation in the Northern Hemisphere.
France are the defending champions, having lifted the Six Nations title in 2025 for the first time since 2022 after edging England by a single point.
The 2026 Six Nations will run for just over five weeks, from February 5 to March 14.
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Six Nations round one fixtures
The 2026 Six Nations gets underway with three fixtures across Thursday, February 5 to Saturday, February 7.
France vs Ireland (teams)
Stade de France, Paris / Thursday, February 5 / 8.10pm kick-off UK time (GMT)
Italy vs Scotland
Stadio Olimpico, Rome / Saturday, February 7 / 2.10pm kick-off UK time (GMT)
England vs Wales
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham / Saturday, February 7 / 4.40pm kick-off UK time (GMT)
See full set of Six Nations fixtures here.
Round one – Key match-up and storylines
France vs Ireland
Defending champions France open their Six Nations campaign against Ireland, following a 2-1 Autumn Nations Series, with victories over Fiji and Australia and a defeat to South Africa.
Ireland, who set consistently high standards, finished third in the 2025 Six Nations and will be targeting an improved showing this year.
They begin their 2026 season after a 2-2 Autumn Nations Series, beating Japan and Australia but falling to New Zealand and South Africa.
France will be without several key figures, including Damian Penaud, Grégory Alldritt and veteran Gaël Fickou, after head coach Fabien Galthié opted to leave the trio out of his 42-man Six Nations squad.
However, Antoine Dupont returns for Les Bleus, providing a major boost ahead of the opening fixture.
Ireland face an injury-hit start to the tournament, with Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki some of the key names ruled out through injury and suspension.
Hugo Keenan is also sidelined with recurring injury problems.
The sides have met 104 times in Test rugby, with France winning 60, Ireland 37, and seven draws between them.
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Six Nations form table (Autumn Nations Series results)
France – L-W-W
Ireland – L-W-W-L
Italy – W-L-W
Scotland – W-L-L-W
England – W-W-W-W
Wales – L-W-L-L
How to watch the Six Nations
Country & broadcaster
England – ITV, BBC, Premier Sports
Ireland – RTE, Virgin Media, Premier Sports
Scotland – ITV, BBC, Premier Sports
Wales – ITV, BBC, S4C, Premier Sports
Italy – Sky, RAI
France – France TV, TF1
Northern Ireland – ITV, BBC, Premier Sports
Six Nations betting odds: round one (best lines)
France vs Ireland
France to win – 1/5
Ireland to win – 11/2
Draw – 35/1
Italy vs Scotland
Italy to win – 31/10
Scotland to win – 1/3
Draw – 25/1
England vs Wales
England to win – 1/66
Wales to win – 28/1
Draw – 100/1
Note: odds subject to change
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