The start of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations comes with the return of supporters to stadiums and an authentic matchday experience.
This follows the whole of the Championship in 2021 – and the last few matches of 2020 – being played behind closed doors, which was necessary in the wake of the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fans can now get back to supporting their respective teams and we’ve put together all the important information you should know if you are lucky enough to go to a game this year.
This includes any restrictions that might still be in place in any of the six participating countries, as we continue to try and stay safe.
All information is correct as of writing but make sure you check the union websites before heading to a match to see if any guidance has changed.
Twickenham (England)
It is recommended that supporters continue to wear a face covering at all times while they are in the stadium, except when they are eating or drinking.
Presenting a Covid-19 pass (proof of being double vaccinated) upon entry is no longer required, but fans are encouraged to have their pass available and to keep it updated should guidance within England change.
Face coverings are also requested to be worn on the shuttle buses to and from the stadium, before and after the match.
The shuttle bus services run between Richmond train station and the stadium and Hounslow East station and the stadium from three hours pre-kick-off until three hours after the final whistle.
Supporters can take the train to any of the Twickenham, Whitton, St Margaret’s or Richmond railway stations, while the stadium can be reached by a number of different bus routes.
2022 fixtures
Round 3 – England v Wales, Saturday February 26 Round 4 – England v Ireland, Saturday March 12
Aviva Stadium (Ireland)
Once again, fans are requested to wear a face covering at all times, which includes on entry and while they are inside the stadium.
The Aviva Stadium is now a ‘cashless’ venue, which means cash will no longer be accepted at any of the bars of food outlets, but all bank cards, Apple, Android and Google Pay will be accepted.
Supporters are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines (keep two metres away) while they are queuing.
Fans using public transport can use the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system to get to the stadium, which is best served by the Grand Canal and Lansdowne Road stations.
If you’re entering at the west or south of the stadium, the best bus routes from Dublin city centre serve Northumberland Road or Pembroke Road, while the ones serving Ringsend/Irishtown best serve the northern or eastern entry points.
2022 fixtures
Round 1 – Ireland v Wales, Saturday February 5 Round 3 – Ireland v Italy, Sunday February 27 Round 5 – Ireland v Scotland, Saturday March 19
BT Murrayfield (Scotland)
All adults (people over the age of 18) must bring proof that they are double vaccinated against Covid-19 or proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours of entry, unless exempt.
Fans are requested to arrive no later than 30 minutes before kick-off to assist with vaccination status checks and ease congestion around the stadium.
By law, everyone over the age 12 must wear face coverings in indoor areas of the venue – except for valid exemptions – and it is recommended they be worn in outdoor areas.
Face coverings must be worn on all public transport, while it is also recommended they are worn as you make your approach to the stadium in areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
The stadium has its own station on the Edinburgh Trams network, while multiple bus services are available and there will be seven park and ride services operating around the city.
2022 fixtures
Round 1 – Scotland v England, Saturday February 5 Round 3 – Scotland v France, Saturday February 26
Principality Stadium (Wales)
As in Edinburgh, home or away supporters must provide proof of being double vaccinated to gain entry, although the lateral flow test can be taken within 48 hours of the match.
Where face masks are mandatory inside the stadium will depend on guidance from the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales and further information will be provided closer to Wales’ home fixtures.
With Principality Stadium famously being in Cardiff’s city centre, the nearest train station is Cardiff Central, although Cardiff Queen Street does provide an alternative and is a 15-minute walk away.
The location of the stadium also means that Cardiff Central Bus Station is only a five-minute walk from the venue.
A park and ride service is available from Leckwith on matchdays, although supporters will need to book in advance.
2022 fixtures
Round 2 – Wales v Scotland, Saturday February 12 Round 4 – Wales v France, Friday March 11 Round 5 – Wales v Italy, Saturday March 19
Stade de France (France)
Supporters in France will have to show a ‘Pass Sanitaire’ to be allowed entry to the Stade de France, meeting one of three conditions – a negative PCR test in the previous 72 hours, certificate of Covid recovery (between 11 days and six months) or a vaccine passport.
All fans must download a QR code with their ‘Pass Sanitaire’ to be shown on arrival.
As well as the ‘Pass Sanitaire’, supporters should arrive at least one hour before kick-off and must be wearing a mask that covers their mouths and nose, while they must also provide photo ID to enter the ground.
The Stade de France is located in the suburbs in Saint-Denis, with both a Métro line and an RER line to the stadium.
2022 fixtures
Round 1 – France v Italy, Sunday February 6 Round 2 – France v Ireland, Saturday February 12 Round 5 – France v England, Saturday March 19
Stadio Olimpico (Italy)
The restrictions in Italy are similar to those in France, with all supporters required to show a certificate of vaccination stating that the cycle of vaccination has been completed with an EMA-authorised vaccine in the last six months or an EU Green Pass proving the same.
Alternatively, supporters must show a COVID-19 Green Certificate certifying recovery or a certificate issued by the competent health authorities certifying recovery in the last six months (travel NHS COVID pass showing proof of double vaccination + booster vaccination is accepted).
In addition to the above, supporters must wear an FPP2 mask inside the stadium, while they will need to show photo ID to gain access.
In terms of transport, the Stadio Olimpico is situated to the north of Rome and is readily accessible by bus and tram.
2022 fixtures
Round 2 – Italy v England, Sunday February 13 Round 4 – Italy v Scotland, Saturday March 12
