2024 Six Nations Rugby Championship Schedule: France and Ireland to Kick Off in Marseille

French Twist for the Six Nations in 2024

Buckle up, rugby fans. The upcoming Six Nations tournament in February will feature a surprise twist as France’s Stade de France won’t be used during the event. Instead, Ireland will travel to Marseille to face France at the Stade Velodrome stadium.

No More Paris?

You heard it right – none of France’s fixtures have been scheduled at the iconic Paris venue due to its use in the forthcoming Olympic Games set for that year. But don’t worry – there is still plenty of excitement about this year’s tournament since Les Bleus will open their title defense against reigning champs Ireland under the lights of Stade Velodrome on February 2nd.

A Triple Treat

In addition to welcoming Ireland and Italy into their home domains, rugby-mad Lille gets its chance to host an epic battle between les Bleus and Azzurri while Lyon plays host in March when England come calling.

New Year, New Venue

If you’re not familiar with these grounds outside of Paris where all previous matches were held except one (in Marseille), here are some details: first off is Stade Velodrome which has a seating capacity of over sixty-seven thousand spectators – home base for Ligue One football club Olympique Marseille. Another venue worth mentioning is Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy which can hold fifty-thousand-plus fans and boasts a retractable roof allowing games regardless of the weather. Finally, there’s Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon which opened its doors to fans back in 2016 and is the newest of all three venues.

French Reign Over?

After winning the Six Nations tournament just two years ago, France surrendered their title to a formidable Irish side earlier this year. While they prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup slated for later this year with Stade de France as its final venue, will Les Bleus come out on top at home against Ireland? Or will it be Ireland that keeps up their reign over France? Tune in February 2nd to find out!