The RFU is considering proposals for one of the most radical changes in the history of the Six Nations Championship. It would mean that England and France play their first games a week after Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy. Since the tournament changed from five nations to six in 2000, all participants have played over the first weekend. However, the RFU is considering a proposal from the clubs that, from 2020, England and France should skip the first round of matches. Under this plan the other four nations would play in the opening weekend, all six countries would play in the second weekend and the England v France fixture would stand alone in the third weekend, when there are usually no games.

Source: The Times September 19, 2017 22:52 UTC