Wales will play three games at the Millennium Stadium – including a first Friday night home championship fixture when France travel to the Welsh capital on 26 February – as they chase a third title in six seasons.
The build-up to the championship will begin in earnest with this summer’s tour to North America and Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde, who will lead his national side to Canada and the USA next month, believes playing in the Championship is a huge incentive for his tourists.
McBryde takes over as head coach, whilst Warren Gatland tours South Africa with the Lions, and he is set to name his Wales squad and captain in early May.
With some of Wales’ key stars expected to be called upon against the Springboks, McBryde says the door to international caps could be opened for any number of players who may not currently be on the radar.
“Players can put their hands up in America and Canada and find themselves travelling to Twickenham in the opening game of the Championship next year,” said McBryde.
“An opening clash with England is always going to be tough, but, just like we said before the same fixture in 2008, the Six Nations competition is all about momentum and if we can put in a performance there we have two games at home to follow.
“The other clash everyone will look at will be France on a Friday night in Cardiff, but the timing shouldn’t be a factor for us.
“We have time after the Scotland game, so the short week won’t be a hindrance and Wales v France clashes are always titanic battles so it should make for a big night in Cardiff for the fans.
“We travel away to play the holders in Ireland, but by then the Championship will be taking shape and its difficult to predict what position either side will be in by then.
“Both sides know each other so well, and after the Lions tour the likelihood is we will know each other even better, so it is another challenge we will relish.
“And tours like next month’s are a great opportunity for players to begin to establish themselves and show international form.
“Looking at the fixture list for the 2010 Six Nations really puts into perspective just what it will be possible to achieve.
“The players who go to America and Canada should be excited by the prospect of taking part, they have a real opportunity to do so – just look at the emergence of Leigh Halfpenny this season and the resurgence of Andy Powell during the Autumn internationals – the doors are there to be opened.”
RBS 6 Nations Championship 2010 Fixture Schedule
(ALL TIMES GMT)
Week 1
Saturday 6th February
14:30 – Ireland v Italy
17:00 – England v Wales
Sunday 7th February
15:00 – Scotland v France
Week 2
Saturday 13th February
14:00 – Wales v Scotland
16:30 (17:30 local) – France v Ireland
Sunday 14th February
14.30 (15:30 local) – Italy v England
Week 3
20/21 February – Rest Weekend
Week 4
Friday 26th February
20:00 – Wales v France
Saturday 27th February
13:30 (14:30 local) – Italy v Scotland
16:00 – England v Ireland
Week 5
6/7 March – Rest Weekend
Week 6
Saturday 13th March
14:30 – Ireland v Wales
17:00 – Scotland v England
Sunday 14th March
14:30 (15.30 local) – France v Italy
Week 7
Saturday 20th March
14:30 – Wales v Italy
17:00 – Ireland v Scotland
19:45 (20:45 local) – France v England
