The schedule of matches for the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, reveals that next year's Championship will begin at the Stade de France on February 5th, with the Tournament Champions, France, playing host to Scotland, and will conclude on 19th March, when all six nations will compete in another 'Super Saturday'.
Immediately after the curtain-raiser in Paris, World Champions, England, will travel to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to meet Wales, and the following day Italy will play host to Ireland. The final match of the tournament will be played out at Twickenham between England and Scotland.
Jacques Laurans, 6 Nations Chairman, said, "We recently concluded yet another fine RBS 6 Nations tournament. Contrary to all the predictions beforehand, this was not a Championship which was decided by the final whistle of the first match. In reality, it hung in the balance until the very last moment. I hope that 2005 will prove to be even half as exciting".
RBS 6 Nations Championship. 2005 Fixture Schedule (all times GMT).
Week 1 Saturday 5th February. France v Scotland 14:00 (15:00 local) Wales v England17:30 Sunday 6th February. Italy v Ireland14:30 (15:30 local)
Week 2 Saturday 12th February. Italy v Wales 13:30 (14:30 local) Scotland v Ireland 16:00 Sunday 13th February. England v France 15:00
Week 3 19/20 February Rest Weekend
Week 4 Saturday 26th February. Scotland v Italy 14:00 France v Wales 16:00 (17:00 local) Sunday 27th February Ireland v England 15:00
Week 5 5/6 March Rest Weekend
Week 6 Saturday 12th March. Ireland v France 13:30 England v Italy 16:00 Sunday 13th March Scotland v Wales 15:00
Week 7 Saturday 19th March Italy v France 13:00 (14:00 local) Wales v Ireland 15:30 England v Scotland 18:00.