Why is the Six Nations Starting on a Thursday? Where to Watch After Work

In recent years, it's become a tradition for one of the Six Nations fixtures to be played on a Friday. The last two openers were memorable for different reasons, but this year, there's a twist.

The tournament will kick off on a Thursday night, February 5th at 20:10 GMT, at the Stade de France. This change is designed to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan the following day.

While a Thursday fixture is unusual, it’s not unprecedented. In fact, the same matchup opened the 1948 Five Nations on New Year’s Day, where Ireland triumphed over France 13-6 in Paris. Could history repeat itself?

The similarities between these two games, separated by decades, are striking. However, where to grab a post-work pint couldn't be more different. Here are Pub Club's top recommendations for a relaxing drink away from office chatter:

### Best Pubs to Watch the Six Nations

- **The Counting House, Bank**

- **The New Moon, Bank**

- **The Anchor, London Bridge**

- **The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street**

- **Greenwood, Victoria**

- **The Duke of Wellington, Belgravia**

- **The Porterhouse, Covent Garden**

- **The Iron Duke, Mayfair**

- **The Coach Makers Arms, Marylebone**

If your office is far from these locations, don’t worry! The Pub Club website can help you find your perfect local spot to catch the Six Nations or any other event with its various filters.

### Other Round 1 Fixtures

- **Italy vs Scotland**: February 7th, 14:10 GMT

- **England vs Wales**: February 7th, 16:40 GMT