Six Nations 2022 fixtures: Dates, kick off times, results and rugby schedule in full

The Six Nations returns in all its glory this weekend as another epic tussle for northern hemisphere rugby supremacy begins.

England would have been optimistic heading into this year’s tournament after an encouraging autumn in which they overcame both Australia and reigning world champions South Africa at Twickenham, though their preparations have been hit by repeated setbacks.

Captain Owen Farrell will miss the entire tournament due to a new ankle injury that required surgery, while Courtney Lawes is out of their opener at Murrayfield along with the likes of Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny Hill, Anthony Watson and Sam Underhill, with Tom Curry becoming their youngest captain since Will Carling in 1988.

France start as big favourites to finally lift their first Six Nations trophy since 2010 with a star-studded squad packed full of flair and depth led by scrum-half maestro Antoine Dupont, with a scintillating victory over the All Blacks a massive signal of their renewed intent.

Ireland also toppled New Zealand as well as hammering Argentina and Japan in the autumn and will fancy their chances of a first triumph in this competition for four years, while injury-ravaged Wales’ chances of holding onto their title after easing to Triple Crown and Championship glory last year look difficult at this stage.

An opening win over auld enemy England could fire Scotland into contention, with lowly Italy looking simply to register a first victory at the Six Nations since 2015.

Here is the full schedule for the 2022 Six Nations...

(all times GMT)

Saturday, February 5

2:15pm: Ireland vs Wales, Aviva Stadium (ITV)

4:45pm: Scotland vs England, Murrayfield (BBC)

Sunday, February 6

3pm: France vs Italy, Stade de France (ITV)

Saturday,