Guinness 6 Nations Rugby 2026

The international rugby season is about to begin.

The blockbuster clashes between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales are back for the Six Nations Championship, the most important and oldest international rugby union tournament in the Northern Hemisphere, now in its 131st edition. The competition boasts a long and prestigious history. It was founded at the end of the nineteenth century as the Home Nations Championship and was originally contested only by the four teams from the British Isles. Between 1910 and 1931, and again from 1947 to 1999, France was invited to take part, and the tournament became known as the Five Nations.

The current name dates back to 2000, the year Italy made its debut. The 2026 edition therefore marks the 27th anniversary of Italy’s first participation, during which Rome has established itself as one of the leading cities in world rugby, hosting an event that has grown steadily at both local and international level.

The Guinness Six Nations 2026 kicks off on Thursday 5 February with the eagerly anticipated clash between Ireland and France. Ireland will host Italy in Round 3 and England in Round 5, with Le Crunch bringing the tournament to a close on Super Saturday, 14 March, the highlight of the sporting calendar.

In the Guinness Six Nations 2026, Italy will play two home matches at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico: on 7 February against Scotland and on 7 March against England. Coached by Gonzalo Quesada, the Azzurri will also face three away fixtures in Ireland (14 February), France (22 February) and Wales (14 March). The tournament represents a key event for Italian rugby, with the Foro Italico complex and the Stadio Olimpico at the heart of the action.

Italy Fixtures – Six Nations 2026

Italy v Scotland – Saturday 7 February, 3.15pm, Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
Italy v England – Saturday 7 March, 5.45pm, Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
Ireland v Italy – Saturday 14 February, 2.10pm (local time), Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
France v Italy – Sunday 22 February, 4.10pm (local time), Lille.
Wales v Italy – Saturday 14 March, 4.40pm (local time), Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

During the Six Nations tournament, the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Terzo Tempo Village, set up in the Foro Italico area, welcomes fans with events, activities, music, entertainment and big screens to watch the matches.

The schedule is subject to change