Ireland at heart of controversial change as Six Nations fixtures released

A strange choice....

Ireland will open the tournament away to France, however, the game will be played on February 5, a Thursday.

Normally the opening game of the competition is played on a Friday evening, and fans have raised eyebrows at the interesting change in schedule, and criticised the trouble it might bring for travelling fans.

French must not want any travelling support. tournament built on the colour away fans bring. this doesn't lend itself to that

— andrewjtracey (@andrewjtracey) May 19, 2025

Moved to midweek games in the tournament. Great splendid thanks for that.... Muppets.

— slimfastdai (@slimfastdai) May 19, 2025

Ireland will also play a Friday night game in round 4, against Wales.

Another big change to the schedule will also be implemented, with just one down week after the first three games, rather than the traditional two down weeks either side of round 3.

Six Nations 2026 fixtures:

ROUND 1

Thursday 5 February:

France v Ireland, 20:10

Saturday 7 February:

Italy v Scotland, 14:10

England v Wales, 16:40

ROUND 2

Saturday 14 February:

Ireland v Italy, 14:10

Scotland v England, 16:40

Sunday 15 February:

Wales v France, 15:10

ROUND 3

Saturday 21 February:

England v Ireland, 14:10

Wales v Scotland, 16:40

Sunday 22 February:

France v Italy, 15:10

ROUND 4

Friday 6 March:

Ireland v Wales, 20:10

Saturday 7 March:

Scotland v France, 14:10

Italy v England, 16:40

ROUND 5

Saturday 14 March:

Ireland v Scotland, 14:10

Wales v Italy, 16:40

France v England, 20:10

*all times GMT