2026 Six Nations fixtures confirmed – France to open blockbuster campaign on a Thursday

The 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations will break new ground with a Thursday night opener as defending champions France host Ireland in Paris on 5 February at 22:10 SAST. This will mark the first time since 1948 that a Six Nations fixture takes place on a Thursday – a nod to the tournament’s evolving format and growing audience.

French fans are in for a treat with three home games in 2026, concluding with the highly anticipated ‘Le Crunch’ against England in Paris on Super Saturday, 14 March. France also host Italy in Round 3.

England’s Rivalry Road

England will play host to Wales at Twickenham on Saturday 7 February (18:40 SAST) in a classic Anglo-Welsh showdown to round off the opening weekend. Their campaign continues with a Calcutta Cup clash in Edinburgh in Round 2, where Scotland will be hungry to reclaim the historic trophy after losing it in 2025 following a four-year hold.

Blockbusters Continue Through to Super Saturday

The tournament heats up with England hosting Ireland at Twickenham in Round 3, while France welcome Italy to Paris – a fixture known for its drama and unpredictability.

Round 4 resumes after a fallow week, kicking off under Friday night lights in Dublin as Ireland host Wales on 6 March. The action continues on Saturday with Scotland vs France and Italy vs England.

As always, Super Saturday will bring the drama with three back-to-back clashes. Ireland host Scotland in Dublin, Wales welcome Italy to Cardiff, and France and England renew hostilities in the final fixture of the tournament.

With the competition growing in intensity and viewership each year – over 130 million fans tuned in across home markets in 2025 – the 2026 Championship promises five weeks of gripping Test rugby.

2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Fixtures

All times SAST | Broadcast: SuperSport

Round 1

Thursday 5 February:

France v Ireland – 22:10

Saturday 7 February:

Italy v Scotland – 16:10

England v Wales – 18:40

Round 2

Saturday 14 February:

Ireland v Italy – 16:10

Scotland v England – 18:40

Sunday 15 February:

Wales v France – 17:10

Round 3

Saturday 21 February:

England v Ireland – 16:10

Wales v Scotland – 18:40

Sunday 22 February:

France v Italy – 17:10

Round 4

Friday 6 March:

Ireland v Wales – 22:10

Saturday 7 March:

Scotland v France – 16:10

Italy v England – 18:40

Round 5 – Super Saturday

Saturday 14 March:

Ireland v Scotland – 16:10

Wales v Italy – 18:40

France v England – 22:10