“Nightmare” – Fans rage at 2026 Six Nations Kick-Off Time

Monday, 19 May 2025 at 17:36

byRugby Rucker

kicks it down.

The Six Nations is tearing up the script in 2026 — and not everyone is happy. For the first time ever, the tournament will kick off on a
Thursday night, with defending champions France hosting Ireland under the lights in Paris.

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Weekend Rugby? Not This Time

Tradition has been booted into touch, with tournament organisers and broadcasters choosing to avoid a direct clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on the Friday. But fans aren't exactly popping the champagne.

Les Bleus Love a Light Show

France are clearly leaning into their prime-time persona, with this Thursday night slot set to build on their recent high-octane spectacles against Wales and Ireland. But while the hosts are ready to dazzle again, travelling fans? Not so much.

Fan Fury Erupts

Supporters haven’t held back — and the backlash is fierce.

“A Slap in the Face for Travelling Fans”
“It’s hard enough getting time off for a weekend game, let alone a Thursday night. This just alienates the core fans.”

“Kids Won’t See a Minute”
“One of the biggest games of the year and it kicks off when most kids are in bed. How does this grow the game?”

“Paris on a School Night? Good Luck”
“Getting to the Stade de France is bad at the best of times. Leaving it after 11pm on a Thursday? Nightmare fuel.”

Only One Break Week

If that wasn’t enough to stir the pot, there’ll be just one fallow week in the 2026 schedule. With tighter turnarounds and high-stakes clashes, it’s set to be a brutal sprint to the finish.

2026 Six Nations Fixtures & Broadcasts (All times GMT)

ROUND 1
Thursday 5 February:
France v Ireland — 20:10, ITV

Saturday 7 February:
Italy v Scotland — 14:10, BBC
England v Wales — 16:40, ITV

ROUND 2
Saturday 14 February:
Ireland v Italy — 14:10, ITV
Scotland v England — 16:40, ITV

Sunday 15 February:
Wales v France — 15:10, BBC

ROUND 3
Saturday 21 February:
England v Ireland — 14:10, ITV
Wales v Scotland — 16:40, BBC

Sunday 22 February:
France v Italy — 15:10, ITV

ROUND 4
Friday 6 March:
Ireland v Wales — 20:10, ITV

Saturday 7 March:
Scotland v France — 14:10, BBC
Italy v England — 16:40, ITV

ROUND 5
Saturday 14 March:
Ireland v Scotland — 14:10, ITV
Wales v Italy — 16:40, BBC
France v England — 20:10, ITV

Three Players Bound for Lions Call-Ups After This Weekend

Andy Farrell’s first British & Irish Lions squad raised plenty of eyebrows—and not just for who made it, but for the serious talent left behind. But just because they missed out on the initial 36-man squad doesn’t mean the door is shut.

With form peaking at the perfect time and injuries always a factor on tour, these three stars are making Farrell’s job harder by the week. Whether it’s through electric attacking displays, tactical brilliance or all-round consistency, they’re banging on the Lions’ door—and doing it loudly.

Here are three standout names who could still make the trip Down Under.

✨ #1. Darcy Graham – The Magician Strikes Back

Left out? Not bothered. Scotland’s electric winger Darcy Graham let his feet do the talking with a scintillating hat-trickas Edinburgh thrashed Ulster 47-17 to secure a play-off spot.

Dubbed “a magician” by RugbyPass’s Simon Thomas, Graham conjured up a highlight-reel performance that screamed Lions-quality.

Even his coach Sean Everitt couldn’t hide the disappointment:

“Every time he puts on a rugby jersey, he turns something out of nothing. He’s a real magician.”

At just 26, there’s still time. But if injuries hit, don’t be surprised if Graham gets a last-minute boarding pass to Australia.

? #2. George Ford – England’s Cheat Code

Ninety-nine caps. Endless class. Still no Lions shirt.

George Ford produced another fly-half masterclass as Sale battered Bristol 41-27. Calm, ruthless, brilliant—he ran the show like a man on a mission.

Sale skipper Ben Curry summed it up:

“Fordy is a little cheat code. I don’t think there are many players in the world like him.”

Despite being overlooked, the 32-year-old is playing some of the best rugby of his career. He’s the heartbeat of Sale, the glue for England—and arguably the Lions’ biggest omission so far.