The 2025 Six Nations kicks off at the Stade de France with an intriguing opening fixture between pretournament favorites France and out-of-form Wales. The French have inspirational captain Antoine Dupont back among the ranks and will be aiming to build on their autumn international wins over New Zealand and Australia.

New Zealand’s Paul Williams is one of the referees for this year’s Six Nations. Williams began his career with the whistle in 2011, and was appointed to the New Zealand High Performance referee squad three years later.

Wales have won five of their last 12 visits to Paris, more than any other team in the Six Nations. The last time France and Wales met in the opening round was 2019. Wales won 24-19 and went on to complete the Grand Slam. Since that match France have won 21 of 23 Test matches at the Stade de France.