Share

Six Nations 2018, 2019 fixtures announced

Cape Town - England will start the defence of their Six Nations title away to Italy, it was announced on Tuesday after organisers published the fixtures for both the 2018 and 2019 Championships.

Eddie Jones' men begin their 2018 campaign in Rome on February 4 against an Italy side who, although they finished bottom and without a win, briefly caused England problems with their 'no-ruck' ploy at Twickenham during this season's Six Nations.

England are then at home to Wales before travelling to Edinburgh for a Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland and playing France away before concluding their Championship at home to Ireland on March 17 - the middle game of 'Super Saturday' when all six teams are in action.

Ireland, who denied England back-to-back Grand Slams this year, begin their Six Nations away to France on February 3 with Wales at home to Scotland on the same day.

The Championship has remained a seven-week competition, with rest weeks after the second and third rounds, despite the likes of England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward calling for it to be shortened into a five-week event to better replicate what happens at rugby union's major global tournament.

France will continue to fly the flag for Friday night rugby, which has been criticised for making life more difficult for away supporters in particular, by hosting Italy in 2018 and Wales in 2019.

The 2019 fixture list also has England away to Ireland on the opening weekend - a potentially key game in deciding the title-winners.

Friday night rugby remains a part of the competition in both seasons, with France hosting Italy in 2018 and Wales in 2019.

The final round of matches on March 16, 2019 sees Italy at home to France, Wales welcoming Ireland to Cardiff and England taking on Scotland at Twickenham.

"We are delighted to confirm the fixture dates for the 2018 Championship, coming shortly after a record-breaking 2017 edition," Six Nations Rugby chairperson Pat Whelan said in a statement.

"We enjoyed record figures across TV and digital and look forward to continuing that trend over the next two seasons."

2018 CHAMPIONSHIP

3/4 February
Wales v Scotland, Saturday - 14:15
France v Ireland, Saturday - 16:45
Italy v England, Sunday - 15:00

10/11 February
Ireland v Italy, Saturday - 14:15
England v Wales, Saturday - 16:45
Scotland v France, Sunday - 15:00

23/24 February
France v Italy, Friday - 20:00
Ireland v Wales, Saturday - 14:15
Scotland v England, Saturday - 16:45

10/11 March
Ireland v Scotland, Saturday - 14:15
France v England, Saturday - 16:45
Wales v Italy, Sunday - 15:00

17 March
Italy v Scotland, Saturday - 12:30
England v Ireland, Saturday - 14:45
Wales v France, Saturday - 17:00

2019 CHAMPIONSHIP

1/2 February
France v Wales, Friday - 20:00
Scotland v Italy, Saturday - 14:15
Ireland v England, Saturday - 16:45

9/10 February
Scotland v Ireland, Saturday - 14:15
Italy v Wales, Saturday - 16:45
England v France, Sunday - 15:00

23/24 February
France v Scotland, Saturday - 14:15
Wales v England, Saturday - 16:45
Italy v Ireland, Sunday - 15:00

9/10 March
Scotland v Wales, Saturday - 14:15
England v Italy, Saturday - 16:45
Ireland v France, Sunday - 15:00

16 March
Italy v France, Saturday - 12:30
Wales v Ireland, Saturday - 14:45
England v Scotland, Saturday - 17:00

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE