Wales to start next year’s Six Nations with Ireland at home – with no Friday night fixtures

Wales will open their 2023 Guinness Six Nations campaign against Ireland at the Principality Stadium.

It is the reverse of their first fixture this season, when Wayne Pivc’s men lost 29–7 in Dublin.

They then face Scotland away from home, before facing England in Cardiff on February 25. They will then get a chance to avenge their Italy loss in their penultimate game, before playing their last match is against Grand Slam champions France in Paris.

Wales play all their games on a Saturday, and Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips said: “We are always looking for the best possible preparation time for our Wales coaches and players when Six Nations fixtures are drawn up, which means avoiding a six-day turnaround if possible.

“Of course, our respective colleagues in the Six Nations are all also looking for the same thing, meaning compromises must be made, so we are delighted to have finished up with Saturday afternoon kick-off times in all five rounds.”

There are no Friday night fixtures on next year’s schedule, which is the final Six Nations tournament before the 2023 World Cup in France.

Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel said: “The 2022 championship ended in one of the most exciting ‘Super Saturdays’ in history with an incredible performance by Italy, a Triple Crown win for Ireland and a long-awaited Grand Slam for France.

“Once again, fans had to wait until the final game was played to know who this year’s champions would be, and the rugby action did not disappoint.

“As we look ahead to the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, there are so many storylines that will play out across the five rounds of fixtures.

“This is a huge part of what makes the championship so unique, and what continues to captivate the imagination of audiences and fans around the world.”

2023 Guinness Six Nations fixtures

February 4 – Wales v Ireland (1415), England v Scotland (1645)

February 5 – Italy v France (1500).

February 11 – Ireland v France (1415), Scotland v Wales (1645).

February 12 – England v Italy (1500).

February 25 – Italy v Ireland (1415), Wales v England (1645).

February 26 – France v Scotland (1500).

March 11 – Italy v Wales (1415), England v France (1645).

March 12 – Scotland v Ireland (1500).

March 18 – Scotland v Italy (1230), France v Wales (1445), Ireland v England (1700).