Ireland will be aiming to exact a measure of revenge against France when they host Marc Lievremont's side on the opening weekend of next season's Six Nations campaign.

Croke Park, where France rained on the Irish parade last year, will once again be the venue for next February's meeting, this time under lights with a 5pm kick-off.

The rugby WAGS are sure to be out in force when Ireland visit the Eternal City on the second weekend, the fixture falling just a day after St Valentine's day.

From there, it's back to Dublin for the visit of England before away trips to Scotland and Wales.

Reigning champions Wales, meanwhile, will play in the first Six Nations fixture on a Friday night when they tackle France.

Wales, who won the title and Grand Slam with victory over France four weeks ago, will head to Paris on February 27th for a 9pm (local time) kick-off.

But the decision is likely to be criticised by fans, who could face a difficult task slotting a Friday night game into their travel plans.

Six Nations bosses say they have looked at the success of Friday night rugby at last autumn's World Cup, which was also held in France, as a factor behind their decision.

2009 Six Nations Fixtures

Round 1

Saturday, February 7th
England v Italy — 3.00pm
Ireland v France — 5.00pm

Sunday, February 8th
Scotland v Wales — 3.00pm

Round 2

Saturday, February 14th
France v Scotland — 3.00pm
Wales v England — 5.30pm

Sunday February 15th
Italy v Ireland — 2.30pm

Round 3

Friday, February 27th
France v Wales — 8.00pm

Saturday, February 28th
Scotland v Italy — 3.00pm
Ireland v England — 5.30pm

Round 4

Saturday, March 14th
Italy v Wales — 3.00pm
Scotland v Ireland — 5.00pm

Sunday March 15th
England v France — 3.00pm

Round 5

Saturday, March 21st
Italy v France — 1.15pm
England v Scotland — 3.30pm
Wales v Ireland — 5.30pm