The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicked off last night with a thrilling contest between France and Wales at the Stade de France, where the hosts emerged as the favorites. The match served as the curtain-raiser for the tournament, which is being broadcast on ITV and BBC amid discussions about potential changes to broadcasting rights for future seasons.
On January 31, France faced off against Wales, both teams with differing goals for the championship. France, seen as the frontrunner with 1/80 odds of winning, looked to capitalize on home advantage, whereas Wales entered as the 50/1 underdogs. The countdown to kickoff had fans buzzing, with the game starting at 8:15 PM local time. Pre-game coverage began on ITV1 at 7:30 PM to set the stage for the highly anticipated game.
The significance of this Championship extends beyond the opening game. With the tournament set to run until March 15, 2025, special attention is being paid to the broadcasting dynamics, as TNT Sports prepares for their bid to secure rights for the 2026 season and beyond. There are existing concerns about whether the tournament would shift to exclusive pay-per-view formats after the current free-to-air arrangements.
This year’s Six Nations appears to continue the current model, providing high-profile matches such as the encounter between reigning champions Ireland and England, set to take place at Aviva Stadium on February 1 at 4:45 PM. This clash is expected to be emblematic of the tight competition within the tournament, with England determined to turn their fortunes around after several disappointing performances in recent years. Their last victory was notched up against Japan, but tougher challenges lie ahead.
For fans eager to catch all the action from the Six Nations, both ITV and BBC are sharing broadcast responsibilities, ensuring viewers have access to the live coverage they crave. The tournament remains one of the most prestigious fixtures within the rugby calendar, drawing significant viewership each year.
France and Wales kicked off the 2025 campaign with immense pressure surrounding each side. The importance of securing victories early on cannot be understated and last night’s performance by France could set the tone for their championship ambitions. Supporters filled the Stade de France with excitement, as the backdrop of fan energy electrified the air.
A comprehensive list of fixtures has been released, with matches scheduled throughout February and concluding with 'Super Saturday' on March 15, which will feature all three games from round five on the same day. Fans will benefit from continuing updates and expert analysis available through talkSPORT, ensuring they stay informed about the tournament's progress.
Given the stakes for each participating team, as well as the imminent broadcast changes on the horizon, anticipation is building for every kick, tackle, and try over the next several weeks as the 2025 Six Nations Championship progresses.
With the opening game done and dusted, the following fixtures promise to deliver scintillations as the tournament moves forward. The teams know what’s at stake: not only national pride but also the prestige of securing the championship title, especially for teams like England, who are desperate to reclaim their status as champions after last winning the tournament back in 2020.
Let the games continue! The 2025 Six Nations is well underway, and for rugby enthusiasts, the excitement is just beginning to reach its peak.