Calcutta Cup again put in first week as 2023 Six Nations dates confirmed
England will open their 2023 Guinness Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham.
Itisthereverseoftheirfirst fixture this season, when EddieJones’teamlost20-17tothe Scots in Edinburgh.
They then face Italy at home, before travelling to Cardiff and an appointment with Wales on February 25, then host France a fortnight later and meet Ireland in Dublin on
March 18, which is the tournament’s closing game.
Wales, beaten for the first time at home by Italy last month, host Ireland in a February4opener,whiletheirlast match is against Grand Slam champions France in Paris.
Wales play all their games on a Saturday, and Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips said: “We are always looking for the best possible preparation time for our Wales coaches and players when Six Nations fixtures are drawn up, whichmeansavoidingasix-day turnaround if possible.
“Of course, our respective colleagues in the Six Nations are all also looking for the same thing, meaning compromises must be made, so we are delighted to have finished up with Saturday afternoon kickoff times in all five rounds.”
Ireland, meanwhile, entertain France on February 11, and Scotland, after travelling toTwickenham,hostWalesbefore travelling to Paris.
Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel said: “The 2022 championship ended in one of the most exciting ‘Super Saturdays’ in history with an incredible performance by Italy, a Triple Crown win for Ireland andalong-awaitedGrandSlam for France.
“Once again, fans had to wait until the final game was played to know who this year’s champions would be, and the rugby action did not disappoint.
“As we look ahead to the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, there are so many storylines thatwillplayoutacrossthefive rounds of fixtures.”
2023 Guinness Six Nations fixtures (kick-offs GMT):
February 4 – Wales v Ireland (1415), England v Scotland (1645). February 5 – Italy v France (1500). February 11 – Ireland v France (1415), Scotland v Wales (1645). February 12 – England v Italy (1500). February 25 – Italy v Ireland (1415), Wales v England (1645). February 26 – France v Scotland (1500). March 11 – Italy v Wales (1415), England v France (1645). March 12 – Scotland v Ireland (1500). March 18 – Scotland v Italy (1230), France v Wales (1445), Ireland v England (1700).