The Guinness Six Nations returns on 5 February with France hosting Ireland under the lights at the Stade de France, a fixture that sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most tightly contested championships in years.
France: Favourites, But Not Certainties
France entered as defending champions after reclaiming the title in 2025, a campaign defined by Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s historic eight tries and a devastating 42-27 demolition of Ireland in Dublin. Remarkably, Les Bleus achieved all of this after losing talisman Antoine Dupont to an ACL injury midway through the championship, a testament to the squad’s depth under Fabien Galthié. Dupont’s return to fitness will be closely watched, and maintaining that ruthless attacking intent will be key to defending their crown.
England: Momentum and a New Generation
Of the big three, it is Steve Borthwick’s England who carries the most momentum into 2026. After stumbling on the opening weekend against Ireland last year, they won every subsequent match, including a stunning 26-25 victory over France. Captain Maro Itoje returns fresh from leading the British and Irish Lions to a 2-1 series win over Australia, while the emergence of Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman has injected genuine excitement into the squad. England sit third in the World Rugby Rankings, above both Ireland and France, and are on an 11-game winning run heading into the tournament.
Ireland: Proving the Doubters Wrong?
Ireland won the Triple Crown in 2025 but were ultimately undone by that heavy defeat to France in Dublin. The retirements of Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, and Cian Healy have accelerated a generational shift, and a troubling rise in disciplinary issues has raised concerns about the team’s composure. Andy Farrell will need to arrest a visible decline in consistency if Ireland are to remain serious contenders, with the away trips to Paris and Twickenham likely to define their championship.
The Prediction
France are slight favourites and the home advantage in Paris is significant, but England’s form and confidence make them the most dangerous challenger. Expect the title to go down to the wire on Super Saturday, 14 March.
By – Hannah Costello, Editor