Ireland face Thursday night France clash in 2026 Six Nations opener
Ireland will begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign with a first-ever Thursday night fixture in France.
Andy Farrell's side, who finished third in the table in spring, will take on champions France on Thursday, 5 February with a 8.10pm Irish time kick-off.
The switch was made to avoid a clash with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, which takes place in Milan the following day.
The Six Nations did not immediately confirm the venue for the game.
Meanwhile, in another new development, there will be only one 'down week' in the tournament, as opposed to the usual two breaks.
It will take place after round three.
Originally announced in 2023, the removal of one break week is to help the alignment of the new global rugby calendar, which also sees the Women's Six Nations pushed back three weeks, starting in early April.
Ireland's second game is at home to Italy on Saturday, 14 February and the 2023 and 2024 winners will be away to England in round three on 21 February.
Following the break, Ireland host Wales on Friday, 6 March with a 8.10pm kick-off, while they round off their campaign with the first game of Super Saturday on 14 March.
The final game of the Guinness Six Nations will see Les Bleus host England.
"In 2025, nearly 130 million fans were watching coverage of the Guinness Men's Six Nations in home markets - a +6.30% increase compared to the previous year - and the set of fixtures for 2026 promises to keep fans hooked for five rounds of sporting entertainment," said tournament organisers.
2026 MEN'S SIX NATIONS FIXTURES
Round 1
France v Ireland - Thursday, 5 February (8.10pm)
Italy v Scotland - Saturday, 7 February (2.10pm)
England v Wales - Saturday, 7 February (4.40pm)
Round 2
Ireland v Italy - Saturday, 14 February (2.10pm)
Scotland v England - Saturday, 14 February (4.40pm)
Wales v France - Sunday, 15 Feburary (3.10pm)
Round 3
England v Ireland - Saturday, 21 February (2.10pm)
Wales v Scotland - Saturday, 21 February (4.40pm)
France v Italy - Sunday, 22 February (3.10pm)
Round 4
Ireland v Wales - Friday, 6 March (8.10pm)
Scotland v France - Saturday, 7 March (2.10pm)
Italy v England - Saturday, 7 March (4.40pm)
Round 5
Ireland v Scotland - Saturday, 14 March (2.10pm)
Wales v Italy - Saturday, 14 March (4.40pm)
France v England - Saturday, 14 March (8.10pm)
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