A look ahead to six nations 2026
As the 2026 six nations begins this evening, we look ahead to one of the most exciting tournaments in years. With all teams suffering from huge injuries or losing their big hitters, the competition couldn’t be tighter.
Tonight we look to Paris as France take on Ireland in the opening match. Both teams missing huge names.
Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou and Gregory Alldritt faced being left out of the 42 man squad and they have lost their world class prop Uini Antonio as he unfortunately suffered a heart attack last week, causing immediate retirement.
But Ireland are also in a deficit due to injury with Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan, Ryan Baird, Andrew Porter and Mack Hansen missing out. But also have lost Bundee Aki due to a suspension after a match in the URC resulted in him arguing with match officials post-game.
This is the first time the championship has began on a Thursday, this is due to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony being televised tomorrow evening and broadcasters did not want them clashing.
Ireland currently rank fourth in the world with France ranking in fifth. But France see the return of their skipper Dupont after he missed last years tournament due to injury.
The remaining two matches of week one will be played on Saturday. With Italy playing Scotland in Rome on Saturday afternoon and England playing Wales at Twickenham in the evening.
Italy are also facing a few injuries this year with Tomasso Allan, Sebastian Negri and Ange Capuozzo being amongst those missing out. Italy have looked to be on the rise in recent years but with them missing their big hitters how will they perform with their new young talents.
Scotland look strong even though they are also missing a few of their squad due to injury but still have a lot of their big hitters. Dave Cherry and Jamie Dobie amongst those potentially missing out on the game in Rome. But can Scotland beat Ireland away for the first time in 9 years, they came close to beating France in their last game at Murrayfield, but a controversial call cost them the game and the championship.
Wales are facing big challenges this year, with reports that the WRU are being bought over by ospreys owners the future of Welsh rugby hangs in the balance. But the team see the return of young powerhouse Louis Rees-Zammit after his short career over in America to pursue NFL.
England look the strongest they ever have in years. After a successful autumn campaign they come into the tournament ranked 3rd and the highest of any of the 6 nations countries. They have a few injuries but still have their big hitters in the squad.
This years tournament will certainly be an exciting one and I cannot wait for it to get started.
