Six Nations 2024 fixtures revealed but French venues remain uncertain

The 2024 Six Nations championship fixtures have been announced but the precise venue for the blockbuster opening fixture between France and Ireland has still to be confirmed. Preparations for the Olympic Games later in the year mean the Stade de France in Paris cannot stage any Six Nations matches, with Les Bleus’ three home games set to be moved to the south of France instead.

Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome played host to last autumn’s Test against South Africa with 62,500 fans in attendance, while Toulouse is another possible alternative. Barcelona’s Nou Camp also staged the French Top 14 final in 2016. Final confirmation of the chosen destinations is not expected for a few more weeks.

(Kick-off times all GMT)

Fri 2 Feb France v Ireland 8pmSat 3 Feb Italy v England 2.15pm, Wales v Scotland 4.45pmSat 10 Feb Scotland v France 2.15pm, England v Wales 4.45pmSun 11 Feb Ireland v Italy 3pmSat 24 Feb Ireland v Wales 2.15pm, Scotland v England 4.45pmSun 25 Feb France v Italy 3pmSat 9 Mar Italy v Scotland 2.15pm, England v Ireland 4.15pmSun 10 Mar Wales v France 3pmSat 16 Mar Wales v Italy 2.15pm, Ireland v Scotland 4.45pm, France v England 8pm

The France v Ireland game on 2 February will be the tournament’s solitary Friday night fixture, with England’s five games all scheduled to take place on a Saturday. England’s campaign will kick off in Rome on 3 February and also include a round three visit to Edinburgh before two tricky concluding fixtures, as this season, against Ireland and France within the space of eight days.

The concluding “Super Saturday” on 16 March will also see Ireland host Scotland and Wales face Italy. The championship will be kicking off barely three months after the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in