THE SIX NATIONS has finally arrived as the opening round of the competition kicks off this weekend.

Before the action gets underway, we’ve compiled all the important fixture details to help you plan out your viewing schedule for all the games.

France v Wales – Friday, 31 January

Kick-off time: 8.15pm

Venue: Stade de France

TV details: Virgin Media One, coverage starts at 7.30pm

The clash of France and Wales gets the 2025 competition off the mark as one of the tournament favourites welcome Warren Gatland’s side to the Stade de France.

For France, there is plenty of excitement around the return of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. Dupont missed last year’s tournament due to his Olympic Sevens commitments, while Ntamack has not made a Test appearance since 2023 due to two long-term injuries. With the Toulouse duo back in rotation, France will feel they are strong contenders for the title.

Wales collected the wooden spoon in last year’s tournament and ended their 2024 season with 11 losses in total after continuing that losing run through the summer and Autumn Tests. The 2025 Six Nations could be another difficult campaign for Wales.

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Scotland v Italy – Saturday, 1 February

Kick-off time: 2.15pm

Venue: Murrayfield

TV details: RTÉ Two, coverage begins at 1.30pm

Two sides hoping to make breakthroughs meet when the Round 1 action continues on Saturday at Murrayfield. Scotland have been making strides under Gregor Townsend, though injuries to key men Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings could hamper their chances.

The Scots have won the last four Calcutta Cups against England, and fell just short of a victory over France in 2024, but did lose against this weekend’s opponents when they visited Rome last spring.

Italy have also made progress in recent seasons to shake off the tag of annual wooden spoon recipients. They finished fifth last year after picking up wins against Wales as well as Scotland. They also earned a draw against France which gives them a strong base to work off this year.

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Ireland v England – Saturday, 1 February

Kick-off time: 4.45pm

Venue: Aviva Stadium

TV Details: Virgin Media One, coverage starts at 4pm

Ireland get their bid for a historic Six Nations three-in-a-row underway against the old enemy at the Aviva Stadium.

Revenge will be a big motivating factor for Simon Easterby’s team after England denied them a shot at back-to-back Grand Slams last year with a last-minute drop goal.

The decision to start Sam Prendergast ahead of Jack Crowley will be a major area of focus this weekend while the loss of Tadhg Furlong to injury is certainly a blow in the front row.

England will be without hooker Jamie George due to a hamstring injury but Steve Borthwick has put twin brothers Ben and Tom Curry starting together in the back row in the hope of inspiring a win in Dublin.