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The Six Nations is almost here as rugby’s annual spring spectacular returns with perhaps the most open edition yet.
Defending champions Ireland are on the hunt for an unprecedented three-peat, but face a potentially tricky opener against the team that denied them back-to-back grand slams a year ago. England have had precious little success since that Twickenham win yet head to Dublin with a degree of confidence – Steve Borthwick named his side for the Aviva Stadium clash two days ahead of schedule as he looks to get on the front foot ahead of a defining campaign. Today, interim boss Simon Easterby will confirm the hosts side, with a key call at fly half as Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley battle for the shirt. Scottish and Italian team news is also due today.
France and Wales confirmed their XVs yesterday ahead of their opening night battle at the Stade de France. Can a wounded Welsh side end their winless woe? Or will this be the start of another Antoine Dupont-inspired success for Fabien Galthie’s men? The form book suggests only one conclusion but this grand old championship has a habit of throwing up a surprise or two…
Follow all of the latest build-up and analysis ahead of the start of the Six Nations in our live blog below:
Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby’s turmoil
It’s shaping up to be another cracking edition of a tournament that remains rugby’s prize property:
Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby’s turmoil
Rugby’s greatest championship has proved more competitive than ever over the last few years – who will triumph as the modern-day gladiators step back into the amphitheatre? Harry Latham-Coyle looks ahead to a tournament that again looks set to thrill
Harry Latham-Coyle30 January 2025 08:57
Six Nations LIVE
It’s Six Nations eve, with another big day of news ahead of rugby’s greatest annual championship. Ireland, Scotland and Italy are all set to confirm their line-ups today as the build-up intensifies ahead of tomorrow’s opener between France and Wales – let’s get going…
Harry Latham-Coyle30 January 2025 08:49
Six Nations predictions: Winner, top try-scorer, breakthrough star and more
Lawrence Ostlere29 January 2025 17:57
The peculiar Wales selection that shows Warren Gatland’s muddled thinking ahead of crucial Six Nations
So it will Ben Thomas, as expected, at fly half for Wales in Paris, with Dan Edwards awaiting a debut off the bench. The pair have zero previous Six Nations experience – making the omission of Gareth Anscombe from Warren Gatland’s squad all the more peculiar.
Lawrence Ostlere29 January 2025 17:26
Romain Ntamack included in French side to form deadly halfback combination
French Marvel Romain Ntamack returns after a long 18 months on the side-line.
The 25 year old missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a knee injury and his return last November was sadly curtailed by a calf injury.
This Six Nations the Toulouse fly half will return to form a dangerous half back partnership with club teammate Antoine Dupont, after coach Fabien Galthie announced their squad for Friday against Wales.
Ntamack’s return pushes Thomas Ramos to fullback in place of Leo Barre, while Pierre-Louis Barassi replaces Fickou in the midfield, and Attissogbe takes Gabin Villiere’s place on the wing.
Meanwhile, Damien Penaud was expected to return to the squad this week, but suffered a toe injury in training, ruling him out of their opening game vs Wales.
His injury further adding to a list of key players unavailable for Friday’s clash at the Stade de France.
Michael Cooke29 January 2025 16:46
Williams and Adam’s return to break dismal record
Wales have been boosted by the return of winger Josh Adams and Fullback Liam Williams for their Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Friday.
The experienced Adams and Williams missed much of the last season with Injury, as they now seek to end a dismal team record run of 12 defeats in a row dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup which has put coach Warren Gatland under the spotlight.
Gatland admitted their strategy going forward was to let the experienced voices lead the team with the return of veterans like Adams and Williams: “Part of our thinking was bringing some experience back and getting some balance in. Having a voice and getting some confidence in those around them.”
“There has been a good buzz around the team, the next couple of days it’s about coaches taking a step back and allowing players to lead.”
Michael Cooke29 January 2025 16:03
Former England prop Henry Thomas set for first Wales start in Six Nations opener against France
Thomas, whose father is from Swansea, was able to make the move under World Rugby regulations because his last England appearance had been more than three years earlier.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has also handed a full Test bow to 23-year-old Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd, who steps up with Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias both injured, against a juggernaut French pack in Paris.
Lawrence Ostlere29 January 2025 14:15
Andy Farrell appoints first members of British and Irish Lions coaching staff
Completing the trio of recruits for the 10-fixture tour is Ireland’s Vinny Hammond, who will travel Down Under as head of analysis.
Harry Latham-Coyle29 January 2025 13:45
Ireland suffer crushing injury blow ahead of England Six Nations clash
The 32-year-old has suffered a recurrence of a calf problem while training in Portugal and will be sidelined for Saturday’s clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin that kicks off Ireland’s Six Nations title defence.
Tighthead Furlong has flown home for further assessment and has been replaced in the squad by uncapped Connacht front-rower Jack Aungier, with Finlay Bealham likely to start in the No 3 jersey against England.
Harry Latham-Coyle29 January 2025 13:15
Six new faces to watch in this year’s tournament
Hope springs eternal as the Six Nations sides renew hostilities in rugby’s grandest old championship.
A fresh crop of new faces just taking their first steps on the international stage will be out to make their mark over the next few weeks, with places on the plane to Australia perhaps up for grabs for those eligible.
There will be plenty of excitement around France and Italy, too, as the pair continue to unearth new talent.
The Independent has picked out one new(ish) face from each nation who could be set for a breakthrough tournament:
Harry Latham-Coyle29 January 2025 12:50
