2024 Six Nations fixtures confirmed but doubt over Stade de France

The 2024 Guinness Six Nations will start and finish in France with Les Bleus respectively hosting Ireland and England - but neither of those matches have been confirmed to take place at Stade de France. Tournament officials have published the fixtures list for next year’s championship, but that publication came with a note claiming that the stadium the French have usually used in Paris to host its matches won’t be staging games in 2024.

A statement read: “Please note French venues for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations fixtures hosted by France will be communicated in due course, but will not be at the Stade de France in Paris.”

There was no explanation given as to why France will move its Six Nations games away from the Stade de France just months after the stadium is scheduled to host the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in October. However, it is believed that the lead-up time for this stadium's use during the 2024 Paris Olympics later in the year is the reason why it will be off-limits for the Six Nations games.

Marseille, which hosted the 2018 France versus Italy match, is tipped as the alternative ground to be used. The France versus Ireland match is pencilled in to be played on Friday, February 2, with the tournament then ending with the French hosting England on Saturday, March 16. England have two 2024 matches at home in Twickenham, a round two encounter with Wales and then the round four visit from Ireland.

Soon-to-depart Six Nations boss Ben Morel said: “A constant of the Guinness Six Nations is the drama, unpredictable storylines, and rivalries playing out over five unmissable rounds of fixtures. This is what drives the sheer excitement fans have for this great championship.

“We see it every year when the fixtures are confirmed. Fans, media, and players are talking about the games, the rivalries and debating the results. Thanks to our comprehensive broadcast partnerships and coverage, we can bring every moment of the championship to fans all over the world, and it is exciting to help fans look forward to what is in store for 2024.”