The fixture list for the 2009 Six Nations Championship has been announced and matches will take place between Saturday February 7th and Saturday March 21st. The 2008 tournament saw Wales triumph, clinching the title with a victory over France in Cardiff.
In 2009 a game will be played on a Friday evening for the first time in the competitions history, with France hosting title holders Wales on Friday February 27th at the Stade de France.
Opening Weekend Fixtures
Wales themselves open with an away game at Murrayfield against Scotland on Sunday February 8th. England begin their campaign with a home match against Italy at Twickenham on February 7th, when Ireland will also entertain France at Croke Park.
Friday Night Fixture
Champions Wales will play France in the first Friday night game seen in the tournament and a Friday night in Paris may well prove to be an attractive option for the travelling Welsh fans.
The Six Nations organising committee were impressed with the success of Friday night rugby at the 2008 Rugby World Cup, also held in France. If the trial proves successful it may well pave the way for regular Friday night matches in future tournaments.
England Players Free From Club Commitments
Commencing on July 1st 2008 in England, an eight year agreement between the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership clubs will see players available for the entire campaign. They will not represent their clubs during the weekends free from international competition.
Growing Success of the Six Nations
Six Nations chairmen Jacque Laurans said:
“The 2008 Six Nations championship concluded on yet another high note. The atmosphere in Cardiff for the final game between Wales and France was electric, and I am convinced that the 2009 championship will be equally as dramatic.
Once again, the championship brought huge TV audiences in all countries, and we are looking forward to even more exciting matches and unpredictable results.”
2008 Six Nations Table
Wales 10 Points
England 6 Points
France 6 Points
Ireland 4 Points
Scotland 2 Points
Italy 2 Points
Six Nations 2009 Fixtures - All times GMT
Saturday 7 February
England v Italy (3.00 pm)
Ireland v France (5.00 pm)
Sunday 8 February
Scotland v Wales (3.00 pm)
Saturday 14 February
France v Scotland (3.00 pm)
Wales v England (5.30 pm)
Sunday 15 February
Italy v Ireland (2.30 pm)
Friday 27 February
France v Wales (8.00 pm)
Saturday 28 February
Scotland v Italy (3.00 pm)
Ireland v England (5.30 pm)
Saturday 14 March
Italy v Wales (3.00 pm)
Scotland v Ireland (5.00 pm)
Sunday 15 March
England v France (3.00 pm)
Saturday 21 March
Italy v France (1.15 pm)
England v Scotland (3.30 pm)
Wales v Ireland (5.30 pm)
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