It was announced today that the 2009 RBS 6 Nations Championship will kick-off at Twickenham on Saturday February 7th when England play Italy and conclude in Cardiff when the current champions, Wales, meet Ireland on Saturday March 21st.
With a view to bring this magnificent tournament to the widest possible audiences – and following the success of Friday night matches during the Rugby World Cup – RBS 6 Nations have decided to include a Friday night fixture for the first time, France v Wales on February 27th at 9.00pm at Stade de France (8.00pm UK time), while the last weekend’s games will again feature in a super Saturday.
Six Nations Council Chairman, Jacques Laurans, said: “The 2008 RBS 6 Nations Championship concluded recently on yet another high note.
“The atmosphere in Cardiff was electric and I am convinced that next year’s Championship will be equally as dramatic. Once again, the Championship brought huge TV audiences in all its countries and we are looking forward to even more exciting matches and unpredictable results.”
2009 RBS 6 NATIONS
(All kick-offs GMT)
Week 1
Saturday, 7 February
England v Italy – 3.00pm
Ireland v France – 5.00pm
Sunday, 8 February
Scotland v Wales – 3.00pm
Week 2
Saturday, 14 February
France v Scotland – 3.00pm
Wales v England – 5.30pm
Sunday 15 February
Italy v Ireland – 2.30pm
Week 3
21 / 22 February – Free
Week 4
Friday, 27 February
France v Wales – 8.00pm
Saturday, 28 February
Scotland v Italy – 3.00pm
Ireland v England – 5.30pm
Week 5
7/8 March – Free
Week 6
Saturday, 14 March
Italy v Wales – 3.00pm
Scotland v Ireland – 5.00pm
Sunday 15 March
England v France – 3.00pm
Week 7
Saturday, 21 March
Italy v France – 1.15pm
England v Scotland – 3.30pm
Wales v Ireland – 5.30pm