by Toulouse’s New Zealand-born giant Emmanuel Meafou is a step closer to making his France debut after being included as one of six non-international players in Fabien Galthié’s Six Nations squad.
Meafou, who was only eligible for Les Bleus after last year’s World Cup qualification as a resident, has made a name for himself since his 2019 arrival in Toulouse as one of Europe’s most forceful forwards. Last year, Galthié attempted to fast-track the 25-year-old’s eligibility to select the lock for the World Cup, but the bid was unsuccessful.
In the absence of Dupont, who will miss the entire Six Nations to focus on a possible Sevens appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, La Rochelle captain Grégory Alldritt will captain France. The number 8 took a year off following France’s disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit, but since he returned in January, Alldritt has been a star for his club. Charles Ollivon, who captained Les Bleus at the beginning of Galthié’s tenure, would have been a candidate for the captaincy alongside Alldritt.
There are debut call-ups for Racing 92 fly-half Antoine Gibert, Toulon wing Esteban Abadie and teammate Matthias Halagahu, Bordeaux-Begles center Nicolas Depoortere, while non-international Nolann Le Garrec is competing with Maxime Lucu for the starting scrum-half position in place of Dupont.
Flyhalf Romain Ntamack, lock Thibaud Flament and hooker Pierre Bourgarit are absent due to injuries.
England manager Steve Borthwick has named his 36-man squad, and Ireland manager Andy Farrell will do the same today.
When is the 2024 Six Nations?
The 2024 Six Nations will begin on February 2, 2024 at 8pm (UK time) when France host champions Ireland.
The last time either team stepped onto the Stade de France pitch was for the World Cup quarter-finals in October, when they were eliminated from the tournament on successive nights.
Ireland’s traveling fans were among the loudest at the global event, with fans and players belting out The Cranberries lyrics. Zombie after every victory. Expect more of the same during the Six Nations.
England will begin their tournament against Italy at 2.15pm (UK time) on 3 February 2024. Borthwick’s side will be hoping to improve on their previous performance in the Six Nations after finishing fourth in the standings with 10 points, 17 points behind winners, Ireland.
How to watch the 2024 Six Nations on television
This year’s matches will continue to be shown on both the BBC and ITV in the UK. The live broadcasts will be available for free on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps, and will be available to download on mobile devices or tablets.
The long-term future of the Six Nations on free-to-air television is uncertain after the government rejected calls to add the tournament to the list of sporting events that must be broadcast free of charge.
Who are the referees?
Karl Dickson will referee the first match of next year’s Six Nations, which pits 2023 Grand Slam winners Ireland against 2022 champions France.
Eight assistant referees will make their Six Nations debuts, including Scotland’s Hollie Davidson.
Read the full list of referee appointments here.
How do I get tickets for the games?
You should check each country’s individual union website for match ticket information. Availability will vary greatly depending on the game you want to get tickets for.
Latest news from the Six Nations 2024
Wales coach Warren Gatland has named Dafydd Jenkins as his captain for the 2024 Six Nations.
At 21, Jenkins has only played 12 caps and, in the absence of Jac Morgan and the injured Dewi Lake, will become the second-youngest man to captain his country.
Gatland has named five non-international players in his squad, with another six yet to feature in the Six Nations. Lewis Rees-Zammit is not on the team following his decision to try to join the NFL.
Gregor Townsend has also named his Scotland squad for the Six Nations, with England under-18 and under-20 winger Arron Reed named in the 39-man squad. Townsend has yet to name a captain
The defending Six Nations champions have suffered a major injury and flanker Mack Hansen has been ruled out of the championship. Hansen will undergo surgery after suffering a shoulder dislocation during Connacht’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster.
The main news after the announcement of Italy’s squad is the selection of South African defender Ross Vintcent.
Complete Six Nations 2024 schedule
All times GMT
round one
Friday, February 2: France against Ireland,
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Kick off: 8 pm
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Event: Orange Velodrome, Marseille
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Referee: Karl Dickinson (ESP)
Saturday February 3: Italy – England
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Kick off : 2:15 p.m.
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Event: Olympic Stadium, Rome
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Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Saturday February 3: Wales against Scotland
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Kick off: 4:45 p.m.
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Event: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Ben O’Keefe (New Zealand)
Second round
Saturday February 10: Scotland against France
Saturday February 10: England vs Wales
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Kick off: 16:45
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Event: Twickenham Stadium, London
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Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Sunday February 11: Ireland v Italy
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Kick off: 3pm
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Event: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Third round
Saturday February 24: Ireland vs Wales
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Kick off: 2:15 p.m.
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Event: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Saturday February 24: Scotland vs England
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Kick off: 16:45
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Event: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
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Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
Sunday, February 25: France v Italy
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Kick off: 3pm
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Event: Decathlon Arena, Lille
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Referee: Christophe Ridley (ESP)
fourth round
Saturday March 9: Italy against Scotland
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Kick off: 14:15
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Event: Olympic Stadium, Rome
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Referee: Jacó Peyper (SA)
Saturday March 9: England against Ireland
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Kick off: 16:45
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Event: Twickenham Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Sunday March 10: Wales against France
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Kick off: 3pm
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Event: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Luke Pearce (ESP)
fifth round
Saturday March 16: Wales against Italy,
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Kick off: 2:15 p.m.
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Event: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
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Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
Saturday March 16: Ireland vs Scotland
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Kick off: 16:45
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Event: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
Saturday March 16: France – England
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Kick off: 8 p.m.
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Event: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
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Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
What are the Six Nations squads?
Who is in the England team?
Who is in the Wales team?
Who is in the Scotland team?
Who is in the France team?
Who is in the Italy team?
Who are the favorites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
Ireland and France are the favorites in the bookmakers, with England a little behind. Scotland, Wales and Italy are not the favorites.
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France wins: 5/4
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Ireland wins: 13/8
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England wins: 11/2
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Scotland win: 12/1
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Wales win: 18/1
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Italy wins: 250/1
Odds correct on January 16, 2023
