Scots have an opening date in Dublin

Scotland will open next year’s Six Nations in Dublin against Ireland, in what will be Andy Farrell’s debut as head coach.

The current Ireland defence coach takes over from Joe Schmidt after the World Cup in October.

Wales start their Grand Slam defence against Italy at the Principality Stadium and in what could be the first game of the post-Eddie Jones era, England travel to Paris to face France on February 2 before later clashing with Ireland and Wales in successive matches.

The climax to the tournament will be on March 14 when France meet Ireland on home soil at 8pm, meaning it could be late into the night before the final outcome is known.

The 2021 Six Nations will also finish with an 8pm kick-off when France host Wales on March 20. Friday night games have been abandoned for both years.

2020 fixtures: February 1-2: Wales v Italy Sat 2.15pm, Ireland v Scotland Sat 4.45pm,France v England Sun 3pm.

February 8-9: Ireland v Wales Sat 2.15pm, Scotland v England Sat 4.45pm, France v Italy Sun 3pm.

February 22-23: Italy v Scotland Sat 2.15pm, Wales v France Sat 4.45pm, England v Ireland Sun 3pm.

March 7-8: Ireland v Italy Sat 2.15pm, England v Wales Sat 4.45pm, Scotland v France Sun 3pm.

March 14: Wales v Scotland Sat 2.15pm, Italy v England Sat 4.45pm, France v Ireland Sat 8pm.