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The Greatest Show on Turf: A Guide to the 2026 Six Nations

Get your jerseys ready and clear your calendars! The most anticipated event in the rugby world is back. The 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations begins this week, promising five rounds of tackles, tries, and the kind of rivalry that only this historic tournament can deliver.

Whether you’re a seasoned regular at Twickenham or a newcomer curious about the "Super Saturday" hype, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Championship.

The Kick-Off: Mark Your Calendars

The road to glory begins under the lights in Paris. For the first time in recent memory, the tournament breaks tradition with a Thursday night opener on 5th February, as reigning champions France host Ireland.

The opening weekend continues with a double-header on Saturday 7th February:

  • Italy v Scotland: The Azzurri look to defend their turf in Rome.
  • England v Wales: Steve Borthwick’s side kicks off their campaign at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) in a classic Anglo-Welsh showdown.

The tournament culminates on 14th March, the iconic Super Saturday, where all six teams play back-to-back to decide who lifts the trophy.


    How the Championship is Won

    The Six Nations uses a round-robin format where every team plays each other once. But it’s not just about winning; it’s about how you play.

    • Win: 4 points
    • Draw: 2 points
    • Bonus Points: 1 point for scoring 4+ tries OR for losing by 7 points or less.
    • The Grand Slam: If a team wins all five matches, they are awarded an extra 3 bonus points to ensure they finish top of the table.


    A Look Back: The 2025 Rollercoaster

    Last year’s tournament was a thriller that went down to the wire. France were ultimately crowned champions, but England stole the headlines with a sensational second-place finish, just one point behind the French.

    England’s 2025 journey was defined by gripping drama:

    • A 26-25 last-minute win over France at home.
    • A gritty 16-15 victory against Scotland to reclaim the Calcutta Cup.
    • A record-shattering 68-14 win over Wales in Cardiff on the final day.



    Ones to Watch: The Squads and Stars

    Steve Borthwick has named a formidable 36-player squad to lead the English charge.

    • The Captain: Maro Itoje returns as skipper, fresh off leading the British & Irish Lions to a series win over Australia.
    • The X-Factor: Keep an eye on Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith, alongside Tommy Freeman, who last year became the first England player to score in every single round of the tournament.
    • The New Faces: England fans should look out for uncapped talent like Vilikesa Sela, Greg Fisilau, and Emmanuel Iyogun.

    Meanwhile, France will be bolstered by the return of their talisman, Antoine Dupont, though they will be missing Maxime Lucu for the opening rounds. Wales will face an uphill battle without star Jac Morgan, who is side lined with a shoulder injury.



    Why It’s a Must-Watch for 2026

    With England boasting an 11-game winning streak and France desperate to defend their title on home soil, the stakes have never been higher. For sports travellers, there is nothing like the atmosphere of a Six Nations matchday.

    England currently sits on 39 total titles (including Home and Five Nations eras), just one behind Wales' 40. Could 2026 be the year England levels the playing field?

    Explore match options with us today

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