The competition will be played as a stand-alone six-week competition in March and April.
Changes to the Women’s Six Nations window in 2021 proved a major success with high viewing figures and increased digital engagement indicating that a new slot in the calendar can play a significant role in driving the growth of the women’s game.
All 15 matches of the 2022 tournament will be broadcast on BBC in the UK, RTÉ and Virgin Media in Ireland and Sky Italia for the Italian market. Matches will be shown on a mix of terrestrial and Player services with broadcasters across territories significantly increasing their commitment to the women’s game.
Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said, “It’s a very exciting time for us, we put some good ground work in during the autumn and we will be looking to build on that in the Six Nations.
“Ireland away is always tough but a great place to start the Six Nations. Ireland did well in the autumn beating the USA and putting some good performances together so it will be a big challenge but one we will relish.
“It’s all about momentum in the Six Nations so if we can get something out of our first game, we will look forward to coming home to face Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park and then we have two of the best teams in the world – England and France – either side of the break in the tournament.
“It will be good to end the tournament with two home games in France and Italy. Our home support was brilliant in the autumn and we look forward to that atmosphere at the Arms Park again.
“We are in the process of offering our first full-time contracts to players and getting to work in the New Year.”
Six Nations CEO Ben Morel commented: “Increased visibility is key for the growth of the Women’s game. We are delighted to have enhanced broadcast partnerships in place along with a continuation of the dedicated window from which we saw such success last year.
“These two key developments along with continued investment in many other areas including performance, commercial and marketing will enhance the Women’s Six Nations for fans and players alike.”
Wales Women Six Nations
Sat 26 March 4.45pm Ireland Women v Wales RDS BBC 2NI
Sat 2 April 4.45pm Wales Women v Scotland Cardiff Arms Park BBC 2 and BBC 2 Wales
Sat 9 April 4.45pm England Women v Wales (venue tbc) BBC 2 and BBC 2 Wales
Fri 22 April 8pm Wales Women v France Cardiff Arms Park S4C and BBC iplayer
Sat 30 April 12 noon Wales Women v Italy Cardiff Arms Park S4C and BBC iplayer
