WALES will start the defence of their Six Nations title against Ireland in Dublin next year.

The fixtures for the 2022 Championship have been announced with Wayne Pivac’s side starting against the Irish for the second successive season.

They travel to Dublin on Saturday, February 5 before entertaining Scotland in Cardiff in round two the following Saturday.

The trip to Twickenham to face England is on Saturday, February 26 before the chance for revenge against France, who denied them a Grand Slam at the death, on Friday, March 11 at Principality Stadium.

Wales will hope that they are title contention again when they kick off Super Saturday against Italy on March 19, with Ireland versus Scotland and France against England following the opener.

Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel said: “The 2021 Championship was one of the most competitive in history with eight of the 15 matches won by seven points or less.

“The drama of Super Saturday with France’s last minute win against Wales, meant that the winner of the Championship was only revealed after the final match was played.

“It was an amazing effort from so many people to make the Championship happen, not least the players and staff from the unions, the broadcasters, media and our partners.

“That effort paid off in the shape of record TV audiences and the most engaged Championship we’ve ever seen, it was truly a special achievement from so many people. This Guinness Six Nations entertained many of our long-standing fans and I believe we won plenty of new ones as well.

“We look forward to next year’s Championship with hopefully a return to normality when we can welcome fans back in stadia and bring that unrivalled Guinness Six Nations atmosphere into sitting rooms, pubs and rugby clubs all over the world.”