The 2026 Six Nations Championship is shaping up to be one of the most demanding and innovative editions of Europe’s premier rugby tournament. Running from 5 February to 14 March, the competition will feature the first-ever Thursday night opener in Six Nations history and a compressed schedule with fewer rest weeks, significantly increasing physical and tactical demands on all teams.
With France entering as defending champions, the tournament will once again bring together England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. All signs point to a championship that could be decided in the final round, where direct head-to-head clashes will prove decisive.
Six Nations 2026: venues and host cities
- England – Twickenham Stadium (London)
- France – Stade de France (Saint-Denis) / Stade Pierre-Mauroy
- Ireland – Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
- Italy – Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
- Scotland – Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh)
- Wales – Millennium Stadium (Cardiff)
Six Nations 2026: fixtures by roundRound 1
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | France vs Ireland | Stade de France |
| 7 Feb | Italy vs Scotland | Stadio Olimpico |
| 7 Feb | England vs Wales | Twickenham Stadium |
Round 2
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb | Ireland vs Italy | Aviva Stadium |
| 14 Feb | Scotland vs England | Murrayfield Stadium |
| 15 Feb | Wales vs France | Millennium Stadium |
Round 3
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb | England vs Ireland | Twickenham Stadium |
| 21 Feb | Wales vs Scotland | Millennium Stadium |
| 22 Feb | France vs Italy | Stade Pierre-Mauroy |
Round 4
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar | Ireland vs Wales | Aviva Stadium |
| 7 Mar | Scotland vs France | Murrayfield Stadium |
| 7 Mar | Italy vs England | Stadio Olimpico |
Round 5
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar | Ireland vs Scotland | Aviva Stadium |
| 14 Mar | Wales vs Italy | Millennium Stadium |
| 14 Mar | France vs England | Stade de France |
Team challenges and objectives
England
The challenge for the Red Rose is to re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders. Consistency away from home and performances against Ireland and France will be crucial.
France
As defending champions, France face the pressure of backing up last season’s success. Managing a tighter schedule and closing the tournament against England will be key factors in their title defence.
Ireland
Ireland aim to reclaim the championship they lost in 2025. Squad rotation and physical management will be vital, with home form in Dublin expected to play a decisive role.
Italy
Italy continue their long-term development. The primary objective is to remain competitive throughout the tournament and make the most of home fixtures to secure valuable points.
Scotland
Scotland are looking to take the final step forward. Turning strong performances into wins against top-tier opposition remains their main challenge.
Wales
In a period of transition, Wales need to rebuild confidence and reassert their dominance in Cardiff to climb back into contention.