The Six Nations decision to play this season’s tournament opener between reigning champions France and Ireland in Paris on Thursday evening may have unforeseen ramifications of giving them a head start.

This scheduling move was made purportedly to maximise on the French TV audience, while at the same time avoiding a Friday night broadcast clash with the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
However, looked at from a different perspective, it also gives France and Ireland a clear advantage in a professional contact sport in which rest, recuperation, and every other measure o...