Women’s 6 Nations venues named

The dates and venues for next years womens 6 Nations have been confirmed. France and Scotland have the honour of kicking the competition off on Friday, February 4th while it is also confirmed that England will play host to Scotland at Twickenham making it a double header with the mens fixture at the same venue.

Asreported by usearlier this month, Irelands fixtures remain at Ashbourne RFC and Wales will use Bridgend for their home venues. England are using three different venues Worcester, Twickenham and Esher as they look to build on the momentum built up among a support base during the World Cup.

France are also alternating their venues their matches take place at Athis Mons (near Paris) and Stade Pierre Rajon near Lyon.

Scotland too have a mix of venues they are using Lasswade, Meggittland, and the West of Scotland Club near Glasgow while Italys matches are being held in Rovigo, Viareggio and Benevento.

England will start the competition as overwhelming favourites as the reigning champions and World Cup runners-up, they have also faced surprisingly few squad losses with the majority of their top 30 players opting to stay in the game rather than retire after the summer.

France, who finished fourth at the World Cup, will be hot on their heels as they too have retained the bulk of their squad the clash between these two sides should be one of the highlights of the event.

Scotland, Wales and Ireland are yet to name their squads for the season but all are expected to be without some key players who have stepped out of the game since the sides last played at the World Cup.

Italy are the only 6 Nations side not to have competed at the World Cup.

Round one:

Friday , Feb 4thFrance Women v Scotland Women (Athis Mons)Sunday, Feb 6thWales Women v England Women (Bridgend RFC)Italy Women v Ireland Women (Rovigo, 14.30)

Round two:

Friday February 11thIreland V France (Ashbourne, 19.30)Saturday, February 12thEngland V Italy (Esher, 16.30)Sunday, February 13thScotland V Wales (West of Scotland Club, 14.00)

Round three

Saturday, February 26thScotland V Ireland (Lasswade RFC, 14.00)Sunday, February 27thEngland V France (Worcester)Italy v Wales Women (Viareggio, Tuscany, 14.30)

Round four

Sunday, March 13thEngland V Scotland (Twickenham)Wales v Ireland (Bridgend RFC)Italy V France Women (Benevento, 14.30)

Round Five

Friday, March 18thIreland V England (Ashbourne RFC, 19.00)Saturday, March19thFrance V Wales (Stade Pierre Rajon, Bourgoin-Jallieu, 15.00)Sunday, March 20thScotland V Italy (Meggittland, Edinburgh)