Six Nations: When does it start? Where is it on? Who are the favs?

The Six Nations will celebrate its 125th anniversary when the 2019 competition gets under way with France v Wales at the Stade de France on Friday night.  

The tournament hasn’t changed all that much since the inaugural competition between England, France, Ireland and Wales in 1883.

That was the Home Nations. It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910 with the addition of France, and then the Six Nations in 2000 following Italy’s inclusion.

What does 2019 hold for this famous old event? And who will lay down a marker ahead of the Rugby World Cup later in the year? We’ve got everything you need to know right here.

When does the 2019 Six Nations start? 

It all gets under way for the 125th year on Friday 1st February 2019 at 8pm UK time.

France will take on Wales in the opening match, before Scotland host Italy at 2:15pm on Saturday 2nd February and Ireland welcome England to the Aviva Stadium at 4:45pm.

When does the 2019 Six Nations end?

The 2019 will – as usual – end after five rounds of action. This year the final round of matches will fall on the weekend of Saturday 16th March – one day after the end of the Cheltenham Festival.

Italy will face France at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Wales will take on Ireland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, while England and Scotland will battle it out for the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham.

Where can I watch the 2019 Six Nations?

All of the action is available to watch free-to-air on BBC and ITV.

ITV have the rights to England, Ireland and Wales’ home matches, while BBC will show all of Scotland, France and Italy’s games on their own turf.

Not able to get to a TV? BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra will also be providing live coverage of all the home nations’ matches.

Who are the favourites for the 2019 Six Nations?

Ireland and England have dominated the Six Nations in the last half-decade. Our traders reckon that will continue, with the Irish 4/5 favourites to retain their crown from 2018.

Equally, they’re 2/1 to win a second straight Grand Slam and 7/4 about the Triple Crown.

England are 4/1 to win the competition outright, putting them ahead of Wales at 9/2. France and Scotland are available at 18/1.

Italy – 1000/1 outsiders – are 1/20 to pick up the Wooden Spoon for the fourth year in a row.

Click here for all our 2019 Six Nations odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication