by England will be without captain Owen Farell for the 2024 Six Nations after he made himself unavailable “to prioritize the mental wellbeing of his family and friends”.
With several key players announcing their international retirements, including second row Courtney Lawes, wing Jonny May and inwr Ben Youngs, Steve Borthwick has a rebuilding job on his hands following England’s third place finish at the 2023 World Cup.
However, they enter this transition phase between tournaments much more optimistic than they were at the start of the World Cup. England arrived in France as distant outsiders after a disappointing run of results under Borthwick, including finishing fourth in the 2023 Six Nations and losing to Fiji for the first time in their final pre-tournament warm-up .
However, the team’s performance, especially their semi-final against the South African champions, helped to silence their critics and win back the hearts of England fans.
Six Nations Grand Slam holders Ireland They will be hoping to retain their crown, but will have to do so without midfielder and captain Johnny Sexton, as well as winger Keith Earls, who both retired at the end of the World Cup.
They face stiff competition from Francewhose dreams of home World Cup glory were dashed by champions South Africa in the quarter-finals, and Scotlandthat neither Ireland nor South Africa could overcome to achieve it.
Wales there will also be a point to prove after their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, and Italy They will be hoping to bounce back after failing to make it out of the pool with New Zealand in the final.
When is the 2024 Six Nations?
The 2024 Six Nations kicks off on 2 February 2024 at 8pm (GMT) with France hosting Ireland.
The last time either team took to the field at the Stade de France was in the World Cup quarter-finals in October, when they were knocked out of the competition on consecutive nights.
Ireland’s traveling fans were among the loudest at the world show with fans and players alike singing The Cranberries’ lyrics. Zombie after each victory. Expect more of the same during the Six Nations.
England kick off their campaign against Italy at 2.15pm (GMT) on February 3, 2024. Steve Borthwick’s side will be hoping to improve on their previous showing at the Six Nations after finishing fourth in 10 points, 17 points behind the game. winners, Ireland.
How to watch the 2024 Six Nations on TV
This year’s games are to be broadcast on both BBC and ITV in the UK. Live streams will be available for free on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps, and will be available to download on mobile or tablet devices.
Who are the referees?
Karl Dickson will referee next year’s Six Nations final between France and Ireland in Marseille, one of four English officials given the whistle for men’s championship matches.
Matthew Carley, Luke Pearce and debutant Christophe Ridley will join Dickson in refereeing the men’s Six Nations games next year, with the quartet of English officials making up the largest contingent from one nation in the championship.
Read the full list of referee appointments here.
2024 The Six Nations Fortress in its entirety
All times GMT
Round one
Friday, February 2: France v Ireland,
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Kick forward: 8 p.m
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Centre: Orange Velodrome, Marseille
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Referee: Karl Dickinson (English)
Saturday, February 3: Italy v England
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Kick forward : 2.15 p.m
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Centre: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
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Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
Saturday 3 February: Wales v Scotland
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Kick forward: 4.45 p.m
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Centre: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Ben O’Keefe (NZ)
Round two
Saturday, February 10: Scotland v France
Saturday, February 10: England v Wales
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Start: 4.45 p.m
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Centre: Twickenham Stadium, London
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Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
Sunday, February 11: Ireland v Italy
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Kick forward:3 p.m
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Centre: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Round three
Saturday, February 24: Ireland v Wales
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Kick forward: 2.15 p.m
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Centre: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Andrea Piardi (Iita)
Saturday, February 24: Scotland v England
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Start: 4.45 p.m
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Centre: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
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Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Sunday, February 25: France v Italy
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Kick forward:3 p.m
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Centre: Arena Decathlon, Lille
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Referee: Christophe Ridley (English)
Round four
Saturday, March 9: Italy v Scotland
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Start: 2.15 p.m
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Centre: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
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Referee: Jaco Peyper (USA)
Saturday, March 9: England v Ireland
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Start: 4.45 p.m
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Centre: Twickenham Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Sunday, March 10: Wales v France
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Kick forward:3 p.m
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Centre: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Luke Pearce (English)
Round five
Saturday 16th March: Wales v Italy,
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Kick forward: 2.15 p.m
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Centre: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Saturday, March 16th: Ireland v Scotland
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Start: 4.45 p.m
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Centre: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Matthew Carley (English)
Saturday, March 16th: France v England
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Start: 8 p.m
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Centre: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
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Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
Who are the favorites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
Ireland and France are the bookmakers’ favourites, with England a little behind. Scotland, Wales and Italy are not much favoured
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France to win: 6/5
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Ireland to win: 6/4
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England to win: 11/2
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Scotland to win: 14/1
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Wales to win: 25/1
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Italy to win: 500/1
Correct choice on December 6, 2023
