The biggest annual rugby tournament gets underway in February, promising rekindled rivalries, drama, and non-stop action. Here is the full schedule of the 2023 Six Nations Championship to ensure you don’t miss a match.
Last year’s tournament saw the resurgence of France. Les Bleus secured their first Grand Slam since 2010 thanks to a brilliant 25-13 final-day victory over England.
However, France cannot expect to have it all their own way this year. For instance, Ireland have high expectations for 2023 after making history against New Zealand last year. In July 2022, Ireland defeated the All Blacks across a three-match series – the first time they had ever achieved this in New Zealand.
In contrast, Wales and England enter this year’s Six Nations in more difficult situations. The Red and Whites relieved Eddie Jones of his head coach duties late last year. So, Steve Borthwick will lead England in this crucial tournament – with a World Cup later this year, too.
Meanwhile, Wales arrive at the Championship amidst a backdrop of turmoil. The WRU is in crisis following reports of sexism and misogyny within the Federation. What impact this has on the team remains to be seen as they look to improve on fifth place in last year’s tourney.
The 2023 edition of the iconic tournament looks wide open. So, here is the schedule for this year’s Six Nations.
Six Nations: the schedule in full
Round 1: 4 – 5 February
Wales open the Championship with a home fixture against a strong Irish unit on Saturday. Later that day, England host Scotland as they try to reclaim the Calcutta Cup from their old foe.
On Sunday, last year’s wooden spoon, Italy, take on reigning champs France.
Saturday 4 February
Wales v Ireland: 2.15pm kick-off on BBC
England v Scotland: 4.45pm kick-off on ITV
Sunday 5 February
Italy v France: 3pm kick-off on ITV
Round 2: 11-12 February
Ireland get the first match of the round again in week two. This time, though, they host Le XV de France. This game could ultimately decide who wins the Six Nations in 2023 – and therefore should be a cracker.
Also on Saturday is Scotland v Wales at Murrayfield. The home side will seek revenge on the Dragons after losing a nail-biter to them last year.
Finally, England’s second-straight home game to open this year’s tournament sees them host Italy.
Saturday 11 February
Ireland v France: 2.15pm kick-off on ITV
Scotland v Wales: 4.45Pm kick-off on BBC
Sunday 12 February
England v Italy: 3pm kick-off on ITV
Round 3: 25 – 26 February
Following a two-week break, international rugby returns to your screens on the last weekend in February. Firstly, we travel to Rome to watch Italy take on Ireland.
On the same Saturday, Wales and England face off to provide some teatime entertainment.
Scotland venture over the channel to play France at the Stade de France for Sunday’s game.
Saturday 25 February
Italy v Ireland: 2.15pm kick-off on ITV
Wales v England: 4.45pm kick-off on BBC
Sunday 26 February
France v Scotland: 3pm kick-off on ITV
Round 4: 11 – 12 March
Sadly, rugby fans must wait another fortnight before round four gets underway. We are nearing the business end of the Championship, though.
Italy re-start the action with a match at home to Wales on Saturday. They will hope to repeat last year’s success, where Gli Azzurri got their first Six Nations win in seven years by beating Wales.
Following this, a crunch match between England and France goes down at Twickenham.
Sunday sees Ireland visit Murrayfield to play Scotland. Here, they will try to make it eight wins against the Thistle in a row.
Saturday 11 March
Italy v Wales: 2.15pm kick-off on ITV
England v France: 4.45pm kick-off on ITV
Sunday 12 March
Scotland v Ireland: 3pm kick-off on BBC
Round 5: Saturday 18 March
Finally, we reach the last round of matches of this legendary competition on 18 March. In contrast to the previous weeks, round five has all six teams play on the same day.
Scotland and Italy get us warmed up on the day with a clash at Murrayfield. Then, France host Wales in their final match of the tournament.
After this, Ireland and England will bring down the curtain on the 2023 Six Nations with a showdown at the Aviva Stadium.
Scotland v Italy: 12.30pm kick-off on BBC
France v Wales: 2.45pm kick-off on ITV
Ireland v England: 5pm kick-off on ITV
Featured image credit: Getty