France clinched the Six Nations title for the second successive year with a dramatic last-kick penalty from Thomas Ramos, denying England a famous victory in a pulsating match at the Stade de France. The hosts edged a 13-try thriller 46-45, securing back-to-back championships for the first time since 2007.
England, who had lost to Scotland, Ireland and Italy earlier in the tournament, looked set to spoil the party when Tommy Freeman scored a 76th-minute try to put them ahead. However, a late penalty at a ruck 45 metres from the posts gave Ramos the chance to win the game, and the full-back held his nerve to slot the kick.
France were indebted to winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored four tries, becoming the first player to register a try in every championship game in successive seasons. England, meanwhile, suffered their worst campaign since the Five Nations became Six, with four losses for the first time in 50 years.
England had led 24-17 at half-time, with Ollie Chessum scoring two tries and Tom Roebuck and Alex Coles also crossing. But France fought back, with Bielle-Biarrey's four tries and a score from Romain Ntamack keeping them in contention. The result means Ireland, who beat Scotland earlier in the day, missed out on the title despite finishing level on points with France.
England head coach Steve Borthwick's tenure may have been extended by his side's improved performance, but they will rue their inability to hold onto the ball in the final seconds before the decisive penalty. France, meanwhile, will celebrate a remarkable victory that will go down as one of the most extraordinary chapters in the 120-year history of this fixture.
