Why France will play none of their Six Nations games at Stade de France : PlanetRugby

Les Bleus will not play any of their Six Nations home games at the Stade de France in the 2024 edition, with the venue undergoing modifications for the Paris Olympics later this year.

The France national side typically plays most of their games in the capital with the impressive venue able to seat just over 81,000 people. The stadium played a key role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, hosting the final.

Playing at other venues

The Paris Olympics begins on July 26 and the Stade de France is a key part of that with athletics, rugby sevens and the closing ceremony set to take place in the stadium which is why Les Bleus have been forced to play at different venues.

France kick-off their Six Nations campaign at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille against Ireland in what possibly could decide the winner, based on recent tournaments. The venue is also set to be used in the Olympics but for football matches.

After a trip to Scotland, the side returns home but this time at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, one of the stadiums used in the World Cup. The final home game is the last round of the tournament as Les Bleus face England at Parc OL in Lyon which is primarily a football stadium.

Dupont switch

The Stade de France is not the only thing taken by the Olympics with outstanding talisman Antoine Dupont making the switch to sevens rugby in order to fulfil his dream of becoming an Olympian.

The talented superstar has already begun training with the France sevens team and will likely make his first appearance at the HSBC SVNS stop in Vancouver at the end of February.

France Six Nations fixtures

France v Ireland
Date: Friday, February 2
Venue: Orange Velodrome, Marseille
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 GMT)

Scotland v France
Date: Saturday, February 10
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT

France v Italy
Date: Sunday, February 25
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
Kick-off: 16:00 local (15:00 GMT)

Wales v France
Date: Sunday, March 10
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

France v England
Date: Saturday, March 16
Venue: Parc OL, Lyon
Kick-off: 21:00 (20:00 GMT)

READ MORE: France superstar Charles Ollivon in doubt for Six Nations opener against Ireland

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