The loudest stadium in the Six Nations has just got louder after Wales was allowed to close the roof of Principality Stadium for the next two years.

Wales will play all their international fixtures at the Principality Stadium with the roof closed for the next two years after a change of Six Nations protocol.

Max Boyce used to say God preferred the Principality Stadium to be left open so “he can watch his favourites play”. But then Warren Gatland arrived and said “to hell with that”.

Hooker Jamie George will miss England's Six Nations opener against Ireland while scrum-half Alex Mitchell is a doubt with a knee problem.

Jamie George, replaced as England captain by Maro Itoje last week, has been ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Ireland, with scrumhalf Alex Mitchell also a doubt after the squad was hit by a raft of injuries.

Scotland have suffered another injury blow ahead of the Six Nations after hooker Dylan Richardson was ruled out of the tournament by Scottish Rugby on Tuesday, a day after they lost captain Sione Tuipulotu.

Scotland has been dealt a major blow ahead of the Six Nations with captain Sione Tuipulotu ruled out of the rugby tournament because of injury.

Scotland have been dealt a huge double injury blow ahead of the Six Nations with captain Sione Tuipulotu and lock Scott Cummings both ruled out of the tournament. Centre Tuipulotu led Gregor Townsend ’s side with distinction during the autumn and been appointed to lead them into this campaign,

Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes, hoping Les Bleus can win the tournament on the back of a perfect autumn series.

Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes.

France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday the return of captain Antoine Dupont brings an "aura" to the team before they embark on this year's Six Nations. "It's quite a magical competition," former France captain Galthie said.