Six Nations: Schedule confirmed for 2023 as France begin title defence at Italy

The 2023 Six Nations fixtures have been announced, with Wales kicking off against Ireland while England meet Scotland on the same Saturday.

In a reverse of the opening games of 2022, Ireland will travel to Cardiff while Scotland head to Twickenham, with Italy playing host to France on the Sunday.

Round Two will see Ireland take on France before Scotland meet Wales on Saturday, February 11, with England facing Italy on home soil the following day.

England’s remaining games in the Championship see them go to Cardiff to face Wales on February 25, France (home) and then Ireland away on March 18.

Reigning Grand Slam champions France will be eyeing up a repeat performance in 2023 and conclude their Six Nations with a game against Wales in Paris.

There will be no Friday night matches on next year’s schedule, which is the final Six Nations tournament before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, hosted by France.

“The 2022 championship ended in one of the most exciting ‘Super Saturdays’ in history with an incredible performance by Italy, a Triple Crown win for Ireland and a long-awaited Grand Slam for France,” said Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel.

“Once again, fans had to wait until the final game was played to know who this year’s champions would be, and the rugby action did not disappoint.

“As we look ahead to the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, there are so many storylines that will play out across the five rounds of fixtures.

“This is a huge part of what makes the championship so unique, and what continues to captivate the imagination of audiences and fans around the world.”

– Wales v Ireland (14:15), England v Scotland (16:45)

– Italy v France (15:00)

– Ireland v France (14:15), Scotland v Wales (16:45)

– England v Italy (15:00)

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