It all kicks off on Friday night in Paris where France are looking to begin a fresh title challenge at home to Wales who seem destined for a wooden spoon battle. Scotland host Italy and, like the French, need a statement victory to kick things off if they are going to present themselves as credible candidates to win the whole thing.

Defending champions Ireland welcome England to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, a Six Nations opener that presents the perfect opportunity for revenge as the hosts look to make it an unprecedented three championships in a row (4.45pm, ITV1).

Maro Itoje says England are "ready to go" as they bid to upset the odds by launching their Six Nations campaign with a defeat of twice defending champions Ireland in Dublin. But they were also the only side to beat Ireland in last year's Six Nations and Itoje believes a new-look England can repeat that Twickenham triumph at Lansdowne Road.