A good change is coming for the fans with Six Nations tickets as the organizers want to amplify the experience with a new Super Saturday.
Six Nations bosses are considering a radical scheduling change. Under this change, a “Super Saturday” would occur every weekend during the men’s championship.
As it stands, two games each round take place on Saturday, with one match on Sunday or, occasionally, a Friday night.
The only time all three matches take place on a Saturday is for the tournament’s final round.
However, it’s understood that talks are underway to scrap Sunday matches and have every game staggered through a Saturday.
Administrators feel that broadcasters and fans with Six Nations tickets would welcome a move to have more matches on Saturdays.
In the 2024 Championship, the seven most-watched games occurred on a Saturday, followed by the Friday night opener between France and Ireland in eighth.
The three matches with the lowest television audiences—Wales against France in Cardiff, Ireland at home to Italy, and France hosting Italy—all took place on Sundays.
Friday night games were introduced in 2009, with Wales hosting France in Cardiff, while the 2024 Championship kicked off on a Friday with France playing Ireland in Marseille.
France is scheduled to host Wales in the opening match of the 2025 tournament on Friday, 31 January (20:15 BST).
Only Wales and France have hosted on a Friday because of various logistical issues, while Sunday afternoon matches are largely unpopular with travelling supporters.
These conversations have so far only applied to the men’s Championship, with the women’s tournament operating in a standalone window in March and April and with a different broadcast deal.
All Eyes on Ange Capuozzo in 2025!
Italy’s dynamic fullback Ange Capuozzo has become one of the most exciting players to watch in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
Known for his game-changing plays, Capuozzo’s rise in international rugby has been spectacular. His journey began with an impressive debut as a 22-year-old against Scotland in the 2022 Championship when he scored two tries off the bench. Later that year, he scored another brace in the win against Australia in the Autumn Nations Series to confirm his arrival in the big time.
One of Capuozzo’s most memorable moments came during that maiden Guinness Six Nations when he made a stunning break against Wales in Cardiff, setting up a try for Edoardo Padavani. This crucial play led to Italy’s first Championship victory in seven years and was followed by a poignant post-match exchange between opposition winger Josh Adams and Capuozzo.
Such moments only added to the young man’s burgeoning reputation as a clutch performer, applauded by the fans with Six Nations tickets.
Capuozzo’s club career has also flourished since joining Toulouse from his home club, Grenoble, in 2022.
At Toulouse, he quickly adapted to the Top 14, displaying his talents alongside some of the best players in European rugby, including the game’s biggest superstar of modern times, Antoine Dupont.
While at Toulouse, Capuozzo has displayed his trademark quickness and flair, with his performances contributing to Toulouse’s continued presence as a dominant force in the Top 14.
Despite facing challenges due to his size, Capuozzo has turned what many considered a disadvantage into an asset. His agility and ability to evade tackles have made him a formidable opponent on the field, and coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic and determination. His transition to one of Europe’s most successful clubs marked a significant step in his career, solidifying his place as a rising star in the rugby world.
Injury and illness may have prevented his full participation in the 2024 Championship.
However, Capuozzo still managed to have a positive impact, scoring a try in the draw against France and putting in an assured display in a nail-biting win against Scotland (claiming bragging against opposition fullback and clubmate Blair Kinghorn in the process).
His importance to Italy’s continued progress under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada is undeniable, and with an Autumn Nations Series on the horizon, expect more great things from
Springbok Legend Doesn’t Want Them in Six Nations
Several legends voiced their concerns about the alliance amid speculation that the Springboks will soon be out of the Rugby Championship and joining the Six Nations.
Former Springboks head coach Jake White has urged the Six Nations not to add South Africa to the tournament, saying it would lose its charm as a Championship.
South Africa is currently committed to Sanzaar until the end of 2025, which means their participation in the Rugby Championship is uncertain.
That has led to rumours that the Boks may join the Six Nations, which, unlike the Rugby Championship, has its games in the same time zone as South Africa.
White was quizzed on the Springboks‘ future after his side, the Bulls, had defeated Bristol Bears 31-17 in the Champions Cup and was firm in his view.
“I’m an old-school guy. I can’t see that you can ever have South Africa playing Six Nations,” the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning head coach told reporters.
“I look back at games, and you find memories of guys such as JPR Williams, who passed away. I can’t see South Africa playing in the Six Nations.”
The director of rugby added: “I don’t know, so many things have changed in rugby, and hopefully we will hang on to that Six Nations is for the six nations that play in the north.”
The Bulls left Super Rugby and, along with the Lions, Sharks and Stormers, were featured in the United Rugby Championship, with the Cheetahs involved in the Challenge Cup.
“Once you start bringing [in] South Africa, what is stopping you from bringing [in] New Zealand and Australia and all that sort of thing? Then it’s not the Six Nations,” he said.
“As an old-school guy, I hope it won’t happen. I’d probably get killed for saying that back home.”
While several fans with Six Nations tickets were initially excited that the Springboks were breaking off the Southern hemisphere allegiance after the pandemic, the corresponding news on their new membership to the Six Nations did not arrive as expected.
The fans wait until next year.
