2026 Six Nations Opens Thursday Ireland-France Amid Schedule Changes

The 2026 Guinness Six Nations rugby tournament schedule has been released, featuring several notable changes that have sparked mixed reactions among fans. Ireland will open the championship with an unusual Thursday night away match against France on February 5, a scheduling decision made to avoid clashing with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and maximize TV audiences in France. This marks the first Six Nations game played on a Thursday since 1948, and Irish fans hope it bodes well for a successful campaign under coach Andy Farrell. Additionally, the tournament will have only one rest weekend instead of the traditional two, with teams playing three consecutive rounds early on, and Ireland will also have their first-ever Friday night home game against Wales. These scheduling changes have been met with frustration from supporters, especially regarding travel and game timing. Wales faces a challenging start with an away game at England, followed by home matches against France and Scotland, then away to Ireland and finishing at home against Italy.