The upcoming Six Nations championship will start on a Thursday for the first time ever, with defending champions France facing Ireland. This shift has been made due to broadcaster requests in light of the 2026 Winter Olympics ceremony. The tournament has been shortened to six weeks, eliminating a traditional fallow week to make space for the Nations Cup later in the year. The new schedule includes three consecutive weeks of matches followed by a break before the final fixtures. However, this change raises concerns among players regarding workload and welfare.
The Six Nations will kick off a week earlier than usual and for the first time on a Thursday, accommodating broadcaster schedules and the Winter Olympics.
The removal of a fallow week in the Six Nations has sparked concerns about player welfare, as many players previously expressed the need for adequate rest.
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