Six Nations 2018 fixtures unveiled
Six Nations tournament fixtures for 2018 and 2019 seasons announced
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The 2018 Six Nations tournament schedule has been released with the defending champions England locking horns with Italy in an away fixture in the opening round on 4th February.
The first round will also see Wales hosting Scotland while Ireland will play an away encounter against France.
The tournament retained its seven-week length with the teams having rest weeks after second and third rounds and will conclude on 17th March.
Apart from the 2018 edition, the organisers have also announced the fixtures for the 2019 season which will be played between 1st February and 16th March.
"We are delighted to confirm the fixture dates for the 2018 Championship, coming shortly after a record-breaking 2017 edition," Six Nations Rugby chairman Pat Whelan told www.rbs6nations.com.
"We enjoyed record figures across TV and digital and look forward to continuing that trend over the next two seasons."
2018 FIXTURES
Sat, February 3: Wales v Scotland (2.15pm), France v Ireland (4.45pm).
Sun, February 4: Italy v England (3pm).
Sat, February 10: Ireland v Italy (2.15pm), England v Wales (4.45pm).
Sun, February 11: Scotland v France (3pm).
Fri, February 23: France v Italy (8pm).
Sat, February 24: Ireland v Wales (2.15pm), Scotland v England (4.45pm).
Sat, March 11: Ireland v Scotland (2.15pm), France v England (4.45pm).
Sun, March 12: Wales v Italy (3pm).
Sat, March 17: Italy v Scotland (12.30pm), England v Ireland (2.45pm), Wales v France (5pm).
2019 FIXTURES
Fri, February 1: France v Wales (8pm).
Sat, February 2: Scotland v Italy (2.15pm), Ireland v England (4.45pm).
Sat, February 9: Scotland v Ireland (2.15pm), Italy v Wales (4.45pm).
Sun, February 10: England v France (3pm).
Sat, February 23: France v Scotland (2.15pm), Wales v England (4.45pm).
Sun, February 24: Italy v Ireland (3pm).
Sat, March 9: Scotland v Wales (2.15pm), England v Italy (4.45pm).
Sat, March 10: Ireland v France (3pm).
Sat, March 16: Italy v France (12.30pm), Wales v Ireland (2.45pm), England v Scotland (5pm).
