Six Nations 2026 Breaks Tradition with Thursday Opening Fixture
The 2026 Six Nations rugby championship will commence a day earlier than usual, with France set to host Ireland in the opening match on Thursday, 5 February. This marks the first time in the tournament's history that a game has been scheduled for a Thursday, breaking a long-standing tradition of Friday starts that has been in place since 2009.
Television Scheduling Drives Early Start to Avoid Olympics Clash
The decision to move the kick-off forward by 24 hours was primarily driven by television scheduling conflicts. Organisers aimed to prevent a clash for viewers tuning into the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, ensuring rugby fans can enjoy both major sporting events without overlap. The highly anticipated clash between France and Ireland will kick off at 8.10pm GMT at the Stade de France in Paris, featuring two teams that have dominated the competition, having shared the last four titles between them.
Key Player Returns and Debuts Highlight Team Line-Ups
In team news, France welcomes back star scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who will start alongside Matthieu Jalibert, bolstering their squad for this crucial opener. Meanwhile, Ireland, dealing with injury concerns, will see the Prendergast brothers, Sam and Cian, starting together for the first time, adding a fresh dynamic to their lineup. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for the championship standings.
How to Watch the France vs Ireland Clash Live
Viewers in the United Kingdom can catch all the action live on ITV1, with build-up coverage starting from 7.20pm GMT. For those preferring online streaming, a live stream will be available via ITVX, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of this historic Thursday fixture. The early start not only avoids the Olympics but also sets the stage for an exciting weekend of rugby, with other Six Nations matches to follow over the subsequent days.
