Six Nations 2024: When is it and how to watch in UK
Wales and Scotland announce their Six Nations squads later today as the build-up to the 2024 Six Nations heats up.
Warren Gatland is set to call on a number of new faces, with captain Jac Morgan already likely out for the entire tournament and Dewi Lake – the favourite to replace Morgan as captain – picking up at the weekend.
As for Scotland, Gregor Townsend looks to have a headache at full-back. The departure of Stuart Hogg from the international arena leaves a void and with heir-apparent Ollie Smith out of the tournament with injury, it remains to be seen how Townsed will shuffle his deck.
Steve Borthwick will name his England squad tomorrow (January 17).
Defending Six Nations champions Ireland have suffered a major injury blow with wing Mack Hansen being ruled out of the championship. Hansen will undergo surgery after suffering a dislocated shoulder during Connacht’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster.
Ireland kick off their campaign against France in Marseille on February 2, with their final game being a Dublin appointment with Scotland six weeks later.
When is the 2024 Six Nations?
The 2024 Six Nations gets under way on Feb 2, 2024 at 8pm (UK time) as France host champions Ireland.
The last time either team stepped on to the field at the Stade de France was for the World Cup quarter-finals in October, when they were knocked out of the tournament on successive nights.
Ireland’s travelling supporters were among the loudest at the the global showpiece with fans and players alike belting out the lyrics to The Cranberries’ Zombie after every win. Expect more of the same during the Six Nations.
England kick-off their tournament against Italy at 2.15pm (UK time) on Feb 3, 2024. Borthwick’s side will be hoping to improve on their previous showing at the Six Nations after finishing fourth in the standings with 10 points, 17 points behind the winners, Ireland.
How to watch the 2024 Six Nations on TV
Fixtures this year will continue to be shown on both BBC and ITV in the UK. Live streams will be available for free on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps, and will be available to download on mobile or tablet devices.
The long-term future of the Six Nations on free-to-air TV is uncertain after the government rejected calls to add the tournament to the list of sporting events that must be shown for free.
Who are the referees?
Karl Dickson will referee next year’s Six Nations opener which pits the 2023 Grand Slam winners Ireland against the 2022 champions France.
Eight assistant referees will be making their Six Nations debut including Scotland’s Hollie Davidson.
Read the full list of referee appointments here.
2024 Six Nations fixtures in full
All times GMT
Round one
Friday, February 2: France v Ireland,
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Oranage Velodrome, Marseille
Referee: Karl Dickinson (ENG)
Saturday, February 3: Italy v England
Kick-off : 2.15pm
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
Saturday February 3: Wales v Scotland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Ben O’Keefe (NZ)
Round two
Saturday, February 10: Scotland v France
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
Saturday, February 10: England v Wales
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
Sunday, February 11: Ireland v Italy
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Pierrre Brousset (Fra)
Round three
Saturday, February 24: Ireland v Wales
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Saturday, February 24: Scotland v England
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
Sunday, February 25: France v Italy
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Decathlon Arena, Lille
Referee: Christophe Ridley (ENG)
Round four
Saturday, March 9: Italy v Scotland
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SA)
Saturday, March 9: England v Ireland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Sunday, March 10: Wales v France
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Luke Pearce (ENG)
Round five
Saturday March 16: Wales v Italy,
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
Saturday, March 16: Ireland v Scotland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
Saturday, March 16: France v England
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
Who are the favourites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
Ireland and France are the bookies’ favourites, with England a little way behind. Scotland, Wales and Italy are not favoured.
France to win: 5/4
Ireland to win: 13/8
England to win: 11/2
Scotland to win: 12/1
Wales to win: 18/1
Italy to win: 250/1
Odds correct on January 16, 2023
