Immediately after the curtain-raiser in Paris on February 5, World Cup winners England travel to the Millennium Stadium to face Wales, and the following day Italy take on Ireland.

The tournament will conclude on March 19, when all six nations compete in another 'Super Saturday', with England against Scotland at Twickenham being the final match of the competition.

"It's a great fixture schedule for Wales and we have a fantastic opening fixture," said Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett. "We will be looking forward to taking on the World Champions at the Millennium Stadium and the closing game against the Triple Crown holders will also be something special.

"We also have a rest weekend following away trips to Italy and France which have landed nicely."

Jacques Laurans, Six Nations chairman, added: "We recently concluded yet another fine RBS 6 Nations tournament.

"Contrary to all the predictions beforehand, this was not a championship which was decided by the final whistle of the first match.

"In reality, it hung in the balance until the very last moment. I hope that 2005 will prove to be even half as exciting."

2005 RBS 6 Nations championship schedule (all times GMT)

Week 1
Saturday 5 February
France v Scotland 14:00 (15:00 local)
Wales v England 17:30
Sunday 6 February
Italy v Ireland 14:30 (15:30 local)

Week 2
Saturday 12 February
Italy v Wales 13:30 (14:30 local)
Scotland v Ireland 16:00
Sunday 13 February
England v France 15:00

Week 3
Saturday 26 February
Scotland v Italy 14:00
France v Wales 16:00 (17:00 local)
Sunday 27 February
Ireland v England 15:00

Week 4
Saturday 12 March
Ireland v France 13:30
England v Italy 16:00
Sunday 13 March
Scotland v Wales 15:00

Week 5
Saturday 19 March
Italy v France 13:00 (14:00 local)
Wales v Ireland 15:30
England v Scotland 18:00