The 2026 Six Nations championship delivered a feast of rugby, with France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey becoming the first player to score a try in every tournament match in successive seasons. The flying winger was widely named player of the tournament, though Italy's Tommaso Menoncello and Ireland's Stuart McCloskey also earned plaudits.
The best match was France's 48-46 win over England in Paris, a breathless encounter described as an 'I was there' moment. Scotland's 50-40 victory over France also thrilled, but the finale in Paris had everything, with Thomas Ramos's nerveless goalkicking sealing the title for France.
The best try award went to Wales prop Rhys Carré for his stunning solo effort against Ireland. The loosehead handed off Robert Baloucoune and thundered to the line, grinning, in a score now officially known as 'The Rhys Carré award'. An honorary mention went to Leonardo Marin's team try that sealed Italy's historic win over England in Rome.
England's dismal campaign was the biggest surprise, losing four games for the first time in a Six Nations campaign. Their defeats by Scotland and Ireland were described as 'dismal', though their Saturday night performance in Paris was epic. Many called for England to rip up their data-driven playbook and play with more freedom.
Italy's revival continued, with Menoncello shining and their win over England marking a remarkable turnaround from calls to cut them from the competition in 2021. Looking ahead to 2027, fans hope for more thrilling rugby, but without the pastel blue v white kit clashes.
