What is the Six Nations 2024 TV schedule and can the rugby championship be watched for FREE?

THE Six Nations 2024 kicks off THIS FRIDAY, February 2 - as one of rugby union's biggest prizes up for grabs again.

Ireland won the Grand Slam last year - winning the tournament for the first time since 2018 - but do not enter as the bookies' favourites.

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That is France, who host the Irish in the first game of the tournament at the Stade de France.

England are expected to be in the running for the top prize while Scotland and Wales are not expected to challenge in 2024.

Italy are, once again, expected to bring up the rear.

Is the Six Nations free to watch?

The 2024 Six Nations will be hosted free-to-air on the BBC and ITV.

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The current contract runs until 2025, with the £460 million, three-year deal signed in January 2022.

However, there is increasing concern that the championship may not remain free-to-air beyond that date.

Late last year, the Government denied giving the Six Nations 'crown jewel' status that would mean it stays with the BBC for the foreseeable future.

The BBC's former director of sport, Barbara Slater, also warned that the channel would not able to be the highest bidder.

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Her ITV counterpart Niall Sloane also added there were "well-founded" fears that the Six Nations could be lost.

There have been reports that the tournament could be sold as part of a package alongside a new rugby union world league.

What is the Six Nations TV schedule?

The full fixture and TV schedule for the Six Nations 2024 is below.

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All Six Nations 2024 fixtures - dates, kick-off times and TV channels

Friday, February 2

• France vs Ireland (8pm) - ITV

Saturday, February 3

• Italy vs England (2.15pm) - ITV
• Wales vs Scotland (4.45pm) - BBC

Saturday, February 10

• Scotland vs France (2.15pm) - BBC
• England vs Wales (4.45pm) - ITV

Sunday, February 11

• Ireland vs Italy (3pm) - ITV

Saturday, February 24

• Ireland vs Wales (2.15pm) - ITV
• Scotland vs England (4.45pm) - BBC

Sunday, February 25

• France vs Italy (3pm) - ITV

Saturday, March 9

• Italy vs Scotland (2.15pm) - ITV
• England vs Ireland (4.45pm) - ITV

Sunday, March 10

• Wales vs France (3pm) - BBC

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Saturday, March 16

• Wales vs Italy (2.15pm) - BBC
• Ireland vs Scotland (4.45pm) - ITV
• France vs England (8pm) - ITV