Ireland is set to face off against defending champions France in a historic first Thursday night fixture during the Six Nations tournament in February 2026. This matchup, which has garnered significant attention, was rescheduled to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, aiming to maximize viewership in France.
Both nations have experienced immense success in recent years, with Ireland and France claiming the previous four Six Nations titles between them. Last year’s tournament finale, where France triumphed over Scotland, attracted record audiences in France, with 9.5 million viewers tuning in live. The overall audience for this year’s tournament increased by 6.3% in domestic markets, further emphasizing the growing interest in rugby.
A notable change has been confirmed for the upcoming tournament, with a single rest weekend introduced, a shift from the previous format which had allowed two rest weekends. This modification is expected to add intensity and excitement to the competition.
The historic nature of this Thursday night fixture not only marks a new chapter in the Six Nations but also provides an opportunity for fans to engage with rugby during a prime viewing window, demonstrating the sport’s evolving landscape.
With robust audience growth and strategic scheduling, the future looks promising for the Six Nations, as it continues to capture the interest of rugby enthusiasts across Europe.
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