How Can You Follow Six Nations Fixtures on the BBC?

The 2026 Six Nations Championship is set to kick off on 5 February, with England, France, and Ireland emerging as the early favourites to claim the coveted title. The tournament opens with a thrilling match between defending champions France and 2024 winners Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris, while Scotland aims for a strong start against Italy in Rome. With only one fallow week this season, the competition promises to be intense as each team vies for victory across five rounds of matches.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The 2026 Six Nations Championship is just days away, with teams fine-tuning their strategies and rosters. England, fresh off an 11-match winning streak, will be looking to secure their first title since 2020. Meanwhile, France enters the tournament as defending champions, having demonstrated their prowess in the previous season. Ireland, who won the championship in 2024, will also be keen to assert their dominance. With a packed schedule and only one fallow week, the tournament will be fiercely contested, highlighting the growing competitiveness of rugby in the UK and beyond.

Key takeaways

• The tournament begins on 5 February 2026, with France facing Ireland in Paris.
• England is on an 11-match winning streak and aims for a title repeat since 2020.
• Only one fallow week is scheduled, after the third round of matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to the 2026 Six Nations began with the 2025 tournament, where France claimed victory. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key events leading to this year's championship:

• 14 March 2025: France wins the 2025 Six Nations Championship with a bonus-point victory over Scotland.
• 2025 Season Highlights: Ireland secures the Triple Crown, and Wales finishes last, earning the Wooden Spoon.
• 5 February 2026: Kick-off of the 2026 Six Nations Championship.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With the championship approaching, teams are finalising their rosters and strategies. New players to watch include promising talents such as Dewi Lake from Wales and Sione Tuipulotu from Scotland, who are expected to make significant impacts during the tournament.

What was already established

France is the defending champion, having showcased a strong performance in the 2025 tournament. The points system remains unchanged, with teams earning four points for a win, two for a draw, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Six Nations not only generates excitement among rugby fans but also contributes to local economies. Pubs and restaurants are likely to see increased patronage during match days, with many fans gathering to watch the games live. This can lead to a boost in sales and provide a lively atmosphere across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses related to hospitality, travel, and merchandise will benefit from the influx of fans attending matches. Local employment opportunities may also arise as establishments prepare for the event, although the impact varies by region.

Policy and regulation

As the tournament approaches, local authorities and health officials may issue guidelines regarding crowd control and safety measures. The UK government may also monitor the event's impact to ensure compliance with any ongoing public health regulations.

Numbers that matter

• 5: Total rounds of matches in the tournament.
• 14: Total matches played across the championship.
• 73,931: Seating capacity of Wales' Principality Stadium, one of the largest venues.
• 82,000: Seating capacity of England's Allianz Stadium, the largest in the tournament.
• 8: Total times Ireland has won the Triple Crown, the most in Six Nations history.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Triple Crown: Awarded to a team that beats all three of the other Home Nations (England, Scotland, and Wales) in a single tournament.
• Wooden Spoon: The title given to the team that finishes last in the tournament.
• Bonus Point: Additional points awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match or losing by seven points or fewer.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the championship begins, fans should prepare for an exciting month of rugby, with matches occurring every weekend. Key games to watch will include the opening match between France and Ireland, as well as the historic England vs. Wales clash.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the conclusion of the Six Nations, attention will shift to the summer tours and other international fixtures, where national teams will further showcase their skills.

Signals to watch

• Watch for the performance of key players, such as Antoine Dupont of France, who could influence the outcome of matches.
• Keep an eye on injury reports as they can significantly impact team dynamics.
• Monitor fan engagement and attendance figures, which can signal the sport's popularity and growth in the UK.

Practical guidance

Do

• Plan ahead for match days, including booking tickets and securing viewing spots at local venues.
• Stay updated with team news and player performances through official channels.
• Engage with fellow fans on social media to share insights and experiences.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook safety guidelines when attending matches in person.
• Don’t make last-minute plans; popular venues may fill up quickly.
• Don’t ignore the potential for changing match times or venues; stay informed.

Checklist

• Secure your tickets early for key matches.
• Check local broadcasting schedules to ensure you can watch games live.
• Gather with friends or family to enjoy the matches together.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the tournament is highly anticipated, there are inherent uncertainties. Weather conditions could influence attendance and match play, while ongoing health concerns may affect fan participation. Teams may also face unexpected injuries or changes in player availability, which could alter expected outcomes.

Bottom line

The 2026 Six Nations promises to be an exhilarating tournament, showcasing some of the best talent in rugby. Fans should prepare for thrilling matches, vibrant atmospheres, and the possibility of historic outcomes as teams compete for glory in one of the sport's premier events.

FAQs

When does the 2026 Six Nations start?

The 2026 Six Nations Championship starts on 5 February 2026, with the opening match between France and Ireland.

How is the points system structured in the Six Nations?

Teams earn four points for a win and two for a draw, with bonus points available for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer.

What is the significance of the Triple Crown in the Six Nations?

The Triple Crown is awarded to a team that defeats all three of the other Home Nations (England, Scotland, and Wales) during the tournament, highlighting a significant achievement in rugby.