Fixtures, how to follow on the BBC and venues as the Six Nations returns on Thursday, 5 February with defending champions France taking on Ireland.

Bundee Aki is suspended for Ireland's first three Six Nations matches after being handed a four-game ban for "verbal abuse and disrespect" towards match officials in Connacht's URC loss to Leinster.

Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen bring you their Six Nations guide to Dublin.

France prop Uini Atonio is forced to retire after he was admitted to an intensive care unit following a "cardiac event".

Prop Sam Wainwright eyes an emotional Wales return in the Six Nations after the death of his influential father.

Northampton Saints announce lock Ed Prowse has signed a new contract with the club.

Newcastle Red Bulls bring in Zack Henry on a one-year contract for next season from Top 14 side Stade Francais.

Glasgow Warriors wing Kyle Steyn says it is time for Scotland to ignore the hype and start delivering in the Six Nations.

Full-back Hugo Keenan has returned home from Ireland's Six Nations training camp in Portugal after sustaining a fractured thumb.

Club and country team-mate Jamie George says England will rally around captain Maro Itoje as he grieves the death of his mother.

England's prop problems continue in the run-up to the Six Nations with Harlequins' Fin Baxter ruled out of the tournament.