Ireland surrendered their Guinness Six Nations and Grand Slam crowns to Wales in the downpour in Cardiff on Super Saturday earlier this month.
So Joe Schmidt will want to sign off his reign in Japan this autumn at the Rugby World Cup on a high before attentions turn to 2020.
And then, in what will be Andy Farrell’s first year at the helm as head coach, Ireland will aim to reclaim their Championship that they have won three times in the last six years.
ROUND ONE – Ireland v Scotland
In the first round of games of the 2020 Championship, Ireland welcome Scotland to Dublin.
Scotland have never won at the Aviva Stadium since Five Nations became Six, but they did claim victory at Croke Park back in 2010.
Ireland have won six of the last seven meetings between the two sides, including an impressive 28-8 win in 2018, but with both sides in the same Pool in the Rugby World Cup, there will be revenge on the menu in 2020.
Where and when is it being played?
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday February 1, 4.45PM GMT
ROUND TWO – Ireland v Wales
The last Wales loss under Warren Gatland came at the Aviva Stadium in a 37-27 instant-classic in the 2018 Championship.
But by the time the two sides meet in Dublin in 2020, Wayne Pivac will be the new man at the helm of Welsh rugby.
Wales will be the defending Grand Slam champions while Ireland will be keen to make it back to back home wins to kick off the 2020 campaign if they have downed Scotland in Round One.
Where and when is it being played?
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday February 8, 2:15PM GMT
ROUND THREE – England v Ireland
Ireland completed their 2018 Grand Slam with an impressive win over England at Twickenham.
Since then though, England have come to Dublin and downed them and all eyes in Round Three will be on what should be a classic in South West London.
Eddie Jones’ side have only lost once at home in the Championship since he took over – and after two home games, Ireland’s first away trip in 2020 could not be much tougher.
Where and when is it being played?
Twickenham Stadium, London
Sunday February 23, 3:00PM GMT
ROUND FOUR – Ireland v Italy
Italy won in Dublin back in 1997, but since joining the Guinness Six Nations are yet to taste victory on Irish soil.
The last time the two sides met at the Aviva Stadium, in the 2018 Championship, Ireland emerged 56-19 victors.
But then in 2019 Italy gave them a real scare in Rome and will arrive full of confidence in Round Four.
Where and when is it being played?
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday March 7, 2:15PM GMT
ROUND FIVE – France v Ireland
If the first four rounds have gone Ireland’s way and Super Saturday has a Championship on the line for them, then the trip to France is a huge one.
Jonathan Sexton’s last -gasp drop goal downed France last year in the Championship (Inpho)
Ireland won by the skin of their teeth here in 2018 – few will ever forget that Jonathan Sexton drop goal.
France also downed them in 2016 and gave them a real scare in their Championship win in 2014, so expect a tough Test on what will be an evening finish in the French capital to cap off Super Saturday.
Where and when is it being played?
France
Saturday March 14, 8:00PM GMT
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Source: 6 Nations