Six Nations 2018 rugby: Fixtures, England dates, results, tickets, TV schedule and kick-off times

England begin their Six Nations defence starting in Italy on February 4 following January’s announcement that Eddie Jones has extended his current deal and will stay beyond the 2019 World Cup.

Head coach Jones signed a two-year contract extension to stay in the role until 2021, having won 22 of his 23 Tests since taking the role in November 2015.

England could become the first team to win three Six Nations titles on the trot, following Grand Slam glory in 2016 and a second title under Jones 12 months later.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…

The Six Nations will take place over seven weekends, beginning on Saturday, February 3 and concluding with a Championship Super Saturday on March 17.

Wales and Scotland get things under way in Cardiff on Saturday, February 3, with Ireland travelling to Paris on the same day to begin their campaign against France.

Back-to-back Championship winners England will then begin their tilt at a third straight title on Sunday, February 4 in Rome.

How can I watch it?

Matches will be shared between the BBC and ITV after the free-to-air channels won the rights to show live coverage of the tournament until 2021. For broadcasting details on individual fixtures check out our full schedule below.

Who is competing?

The Six Nations will be played between England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy.

Games are played across Europe with Twickenham, Stade de France, the Aviva Stadium, the Principality Stadium and Stadio Olimpico hosting matches during the tournament.

How much are tickets?

Tickets start at £14 and can be purchased from the Six Nations website.

Schedule

Round one

Wales vs Scotland: February 3, 2.15pm, Cardiff, BBC

France vs Ireland: February 3, 4.45pm, Paris, BBC

Italy vs England: February 4, 3pm, Rome, ITV

Round two

Ireland vs Italy: February 10, 2.15pm, Dublin, ITV

England vs Wales: February 10, 4.45pm, London, ITV

Scotland vs France: February 11, 3pm, Edinburgh, BBC

Round three

Frances vs Italy: February 23, 8pm, Marseille, ITV

Ireland vs Wales: February 24, 2.15pm, Dublin, BBC

Scotland vs England: February 24, 4.45pm, Edinburgh, BBC

Round four

Ireland vs Scotland: March 10, 2.15pm, Dublin, ITV

France vs England: March 10, 4:45pm, Paris, BBC

Wales vs Italy: March 11, 3pm, Cardiff, BBC

Round five

Italy vs Scotland: March 17, 12.30pm, Rome, ITV

England vs Ireland: March 17, 2.45pm, London, ITV

Wales vs France: March 17, 5pm, Cardiff, BBC

2017 final table

The History of the Six Nations

The idea of the Six Nations first began way back in 1883 when England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales competed in the Home Nations Championship. The first two years were dominated by England and Scotland before Wales came to the fore, winning four titles between 1905 and 1909. When the then Home Nations ended in 1939 both Wales and Scotland had racked up 11 championships each.

The Home Nations had evolved into the Five Nations when the tournament returned following World War II, with France added to the mix. It took the French a few years to get into their stride, sharing their first title in 1954 with both England and Wales.

England hold the record for outright wins of the Home Nations, Five Nations and Six Nations tournaments, with 28 titles, although Wales follow closely with 26 outright wins with the addition of 12 shared victories to England’s 10. Since the Six Nations era started in 2000, only Italy and Scotland have failed to win the Six Nations title, although Scotland were the last outright winners of the Five Nations.

Recent history

Overall titles

Betting odds (via betfair, UK users only)

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To win the Grand Slam (odds subject to change)

England 23/10

Ireland 4/1

Scotland 25/1

Wales 50/1

France 66/1

Italy 500/1