All you need to know about the 2025 Men’s Six Nations

History could be made at this year’s Men’s Six Nations. Since the tournament has been in its current format, we’ve seen a lot of incredible teams and performances. England’s dominant soon-to-be world champions in 2003; Wales’s impressive Grand Slam in 2012; France sealing their most recent Grand Slam with an imperious win over England at the Stade de France in 2022. But no one has won the Six Nations three times in a row.

That’s the potential prize for Ireland in 2025, as they prepare to defend the title they’ve won for the past two years. The Irish squad has a brilliant mix of youth and experience, and they’re the favourites. But there’s talent throughout all the squads and any one of them could cause problems for the defending champions. It’s shaping up to be a great Six Nations – and it all begins on Friday 31 January at 7.30pm with France v Wales on ITV1 HD (CH 103).

And don’t forget, you can follow all the live action wherever you are in the UK, as long as there’s WiFi, 3G or 4G, thanks to Virgin TV Go. Simply download the free app, which is free to all Virgin TV customers and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows 10 and PC/Mac. Download the Virgin TV Go app.

It was an unpredictable and gripping season in 2024, with some seriously thrilling matches – not least England’s one-point victory that prevented Ireland securing a second successive Grand Slam, and the ultra-tight 13-13 draw between France and Italy. And we’re predicting more of the same in the upcoming tournament, thanks to a number of factors. 

If Ireland are going to win it again, they’ll have to do it without feted coach Andy Farrell, who’s taken a step back to focus on the Lions’ summer tour of Australia. Defence coach Simon Easterby has the interim job. There are injuries to key players, including Scotland captain Sione Tuipolotu and exciting Italy winger Louis Lynagh, who will both miss the whole tournament, while England front row Jamie George won’t feature till the later stages. How their replacements fare could have a huge impact on the outcome.

Recent results suggest the six teams are closer than ever before: nine of the 15 matches in 2024 were won by four points or fewer, on top of that France-Italy draw. Wales got the wooden spoon but with a little luck they could have beaten Scotland, Italy and England. Plus players from four of the nations will be striving to make it into the Lions squad. And of course, there’s that historic achievement awaiting Ireland if they can live up to their billing as favourites. 

It all adds up to a mouthwatering event in prospect, so don’t miss a moment.

Here’s the schedule for the opening weekend. Scroll down to see when the rest of the matches are on and where you can watch them.

France v Wales
Friday 31 January, 7.30pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103) + S4C HD (CH 164/104)

Scotland v Italy
Saturday 1 February, 1.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Ireland v England
Saturday 1 February, 4pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

These stars could be the difference-makers in the 2025 Men’s Six Nations. Click on each player’s icon to find out why.

Italy v Wales
Saturday 8 February, 2.15pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103) + S4C HD (CH 104/164)

England v France
Saturday 8 February, 4.45pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Scotland v Ireland 
Sunday 9 February, 3pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Wales v Ireland
Saturday 22 February, 2.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101) + S4C HD (CH 104/164)

England v Scotland 
Saturday 22 February, 4.45pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Italy v France
Sunday 23 February, 3pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Ireland v France
Saturday 8 March, 2.15pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Scotland v Wales
Saturday 8 March, 4.45pm, BBC One HD (CH 101) + S4C HD (CH 104/164)

England v Italy 
Sunday 9 March, 3pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Italy v Ireland 
Saturday 15 March, 2.15pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Wales v England
Saturday 15 March, 4.45pm, BBC One HD (CH 101) + S4C HD (CH 104/164)

France v Scotland
Saturday 15 March, 8pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)