When does the Six Nations start? Is it beginning today, what TV channel is it on and when do England play?
Rugby fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the Six Nations - and thankfully, don’t have long to wait.
As England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy make their final preparations for the tournament, fans are booking time off from work to travel to the games, or simply making arrangements to head to their nearest pub.
France were the champions last year and are considered by many to still be the favourites in 2026, while Wales - having taken home the wooden spoon in the past two years - will be hoping to improve.
Ireland, meanwhile, will have to contend most of the tournament without Bundee Aki, who has been suspended for four matches after “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials during Saturday’s United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster.
England and Wales have jointly won the competition the most times, taking home the trophy on 39 occasions each - dating back to when the tournament was called the Home Nations when it began in 1883.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Six Nations, including when it starts and which TV channel it is being broadcast on.
When does the Six Nations start?
The Six Nations will officially kick off on Thursday, February 5, with France hosting Ireland at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis. Their match will start at 8.10pm. England won’t play until Saturday, February 7, taking on Wales at Twickenham.
There are five weeks of scheduled matches as each nation plays one another, with the final game being France v England on Saturday, March 14.
Which TV channel is the Six Nations on?
As with previous tournaments, broadcasting rights are being shared between BBC and ITV - meaning fans won’t have to fork out for a subscription service just to watch the matches.
However, following the signing of a four-year deal by ITV, the BBC will only be showing one match per week, and all England matches will be shown by ITV instead.