Six Nations 2026: Round Two Fixtures and Championship Guide
London, 14 February 2026 – The 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations enters its second round today as the Northern Hemisphere’s premier rugby tournament intensifies. Following an opening weekend that saw victories for France, Italy, and England, the focus shifts to Dublin and Edinburgh for two high-stakes encounters. Ireland look to bounce back at the Aviva Stadium, while Scotland host England in a highly anticipated Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.
Round Two Fixtures: Saturday 14 February
Today marks a pivotal moment in the championship with two matches scheduled for the opening day of Round Two. Fans in the United Kingdom can follow the action live on free-to-air television via ITV and STV.
- Ireland v Italy
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Kick-off: 14:10 GMT
- TV Channel: ITV1
- Scotland v England
- Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Kick-off: 16:40 GMT
- TV Channel: ITV1 / STV
The round concludes tomorrow, 15 February 2026, when Wales host France at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT on BBC One.
Tournament Structure and Key Facts
The Six Nations has evolved significantly since its inception as the Home Nations Championship in 1883. The modern era began in 2000 with the admission of Italy, and the current bonus point system was introduced in 2017 to encourage attacking play.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Format Established | 2000 (Italy joined) |
| Points for a Win | 4 Points |
| Points for a Draw | 2 Points |
| Bonus Points | 1 point for 4+ tries; 1 point for losing by 7 or fewer |
| Tie-Breaker Rule | Points Difference (Total points scored minus points conceded) |
| Grand Slam Bonus | 3 Points (Awarded to a team winning all five matches) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Six Nations in the UK?
Television coverage is shared between the BBC and ITV. For the 2026 tournament, ITV broadcasts the majority of England, Ireland, and Italy home matches, while the BBC provides coverage for Wales and Scotland home fixtures.
How are the standings determined if teams are level on points?
If two or more teams finish the tournament with the same number of match points, the winner is decided by points difference. If they are still level, the team that has scored the highest number of tries is placed higher. This system replaced the practice of sharing the championship, which was abolished in 1994.
What is the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup is the trophy contested annually between Scotland and England during their Six Nations encounter. It is the oldest international trophy in rugby union, first contested in 1879.