Six Nations welcomes back Friday fixtures

The Six Nations welcomes back Friday night matches following the release of the 2014 fixtures.

Wales will begin their title defence on home turf as they welcome Italy to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday February 1, with England travelling to France later that day, before Ireland entertain Scotland in Dublin on the Sunday.

The first of the Friday fixtures comes in matchday three, when the Red Dragons host France, three years after the last time a game was played on that day during the tournament.

On the final weekend of the competition, England visit Italy, Wales host Scotland, while Ireland make the trip to France.

2014 Six Nations fixtures in full Matchday One: Wales v Italy, Millennium Stadium - February 1, 2014 France v England, Stade de France - February 1 Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium - February 2

Matchday Two: Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium - February 8 Scotland v England, Murrayfield - February 8 France v Italy, Stade de France - February 9

Matchday Three: Wales v France, Millennium Stadium - February 21 Italy v Scotland, Stadio Olimpico - February 22 England v Ireland, Twickenham - February 22

Matchday Four: Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium - March 8 Scotland v France, Murrayfield - March 8 England v Wales, Twickenham - March 9

Matchday Five: Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico, March 15 Wales v Scotland, Millennium Stadium - March 15 France v Ireland, Stade de France - March 15