The 2026 Six Nations Championship is wasting no time in shaking things up.
Instead of the familiar Friday-night curtain-raiser, this year’s tournament gets underway on a Thursday evening, with a heavyweight showdown between France and Ireland setting the tone.
It’s an unusual move, but one that instantly adds intrigue to an already mouth-watering opener.
Why Thursday Night Rugby Is Back on the Menu
The decision to move the opening match forward wasn’t made on a whim.
With the Winter Olympics opening ceremony scheduled for Friday in Milan, broadcasters opted to avoid a clash that would split viewers’ attention.
The result? A rare Thursday night Six Nations fixture, something rugby fans haven’t seen in decades.
In fact, you’d have to rewind all the way back to 1948 to find the last time a Five or Six Nations game was played on a Thursday.
Interestingly, that match also featured Ireland travelling to France — and Ireland walked away winners.
History buffs will no doubt be raising an eyebrow at that coincidence.
France Arrive as Defending Champions With Momentum
France begin their title defence carrying both confidence and expectation.
Les Bleus are widely tipped as the team to beat, especially with inspirational captain Antoine Dupont back in the mix.
His return alone lifts belief levels, not just among fans, but across the squad.
Bookmakers currently have France as favourites to retain the trophy, and it’s easy to see why.
They’ve built depth, consistency, and a style of play that thrives under pressure — exactly what’s needed in a tournament as unforgiving as the Six Nations.
England Lurking, Ireland Under Pressure
While France may be leading the predictions, England are very much part of the conversation.
An impressive 11-match unbeaten run has put them firmly back in the contender bracket, and few teams will relish facing them this year.
Ireland, meanwhile, still command respect but face a tougher path than usual.
Injuries and absentees have complicated their preparations, and starting the championship away in Paris is about as challenging as it gets.
That opening-night clash could define the tone of their entire campaign.
All the Kick-Off Times for the Opening Round
Here’s when fans can tune in for the first weekend of Six Nations action (all times SAST):
-
France vs Ireland
Thursday, 5 February – 22:10 -
Italy vs Scotland
Saturday, 7 February – 16:10 -
England vs Wales
Saturday, 7 February – 18:40
It’s a compact but compelling schedule, with each fixture offering its own storyline right from the start.
Inside France’s Camp Ahead of the Big Opener
France assistant coach Laurent Sempéré has been open about the challenges of preparing for such an early blockbuster.
With the match moved forward, the coaching staff had to rethink their usual routines and make every session count.
According to Sempéré, losing two days from a standard ten-day training camp equates to roughly a quarter less preparation time
. That’s no small adjustment at international level. Still, he stressed that the team remained focused on balancing urgency with clarity — assessing player fitness, refining the game plan, and making selection decisions aligned with their overall objectives.
A Championship That Starts at Full Throttle
There’s no gentle easing into this Six Nations.
From the very first whistle on Thursday night, the tournament demands intensity, adaptability, and nerve.
France versus Ireland promises fireworks, not just because of the rivalry, but because of what’s at stake so early on.
One thing is certain: the 2026 Six Nations is kicking off in style, and rugby fans won’t want to miss a second of it.
