THE rugby season is back in full swing! The 2025 Six Nations begins tonight (January 31st) with last year’s runners up France taking on Wales to kick things off. Here is everything you need to know.
Format:
The Six Nations is an annual event, in which England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy compete in February.
Each team plays the other five once, with home advantage given in alternate seasons. Each win equates to four points, with a bonus point available if a team scores four or more tries in a game. If a team wins all five matches, they are awarded three bonus points – known as a ‘Grand Slam’.
The losing team can also gain a point if they either score four or more tries or lose by a margin of fewer than seven points.
The winner is the team that tops the table at the end of 15 weeks. The loser receives the wooden spoon.
Who are the Favourites?
This year’s edition of the tournament throws up some interesting questions. For example, can Ireland go back to back to back? Will France have what it takes to topple them? How will the home nations fair this time out? Who will win the wooden spoon?
Well, Ireland and France are the consensus favourites, based on form, and last year’s tournament. This year will see the return of French scrum-half Antoine Dupont, one of the world’s best in his position. England and Scotland will be hoping to cause an upset however, as both sides are coming off of somewhat of a rebuild. After going winless last season, Wales will be hoping to be on the other side of the table in 2025.
Players to watch:
Antoine Dupont, Scrum Half , France
Making his long-awaited return after a years hiatus, skipping last year’s international season to focus on rugby sevens. In that time, he has cemented himself as arguably the world’s best.
France have been successful in his absence, but his return will sure up the squad, who will be looking to return to the top of European rugby.
Dupont is dynamic, decisive and eager to show the world why he’s the best in the business.
Maro Itoje, Lock, England
England’s captain Itoje is always the first name on the team sheet. He’s a key man in England’s back row, a monster in lineouts and a leader in the changing rooms.
In 2024, Itoje won 15 turnovers, more than any other player in a Tier One nation, as well as the most attacking and defensive rucks. He was also third in tackles made.
If England want to challenge for the trophy, Itoje will need to be as consistent as ever, and push his team to meet his incredible standards and prove to everyone watching why he is one of the best in his position.
Finn Russell, Fly Half, Scotland
The Flying Scotsman has been instrumental to the Scotland team since getting called up in 2014. His flamboyant nature, often digging into his bag of tricks, means he’s an exciting player to watch every time he steps onto the field.
Only the aforementioned Dupont, as well as New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett have assisted more than Russell in 2024.
Russell has become one of Rugby Union’s biggest stars, through his enigmatic and flashy style of play but nowadays he’s more than that, and he’ll need to use his experience, being levelheaded and composed as ever if he wants to push Scotland up the table.
James Lowe, Winger, Ireland
Since receiving his first Ireland call up in 2020, winger Lowe has been a mainstay in Andy Farrell’s squad, and it’s clear to see why. The tricky winger is quick, has a wand of a left boot, and can break even the toughest of defences with his line-breaking ability.
With his place in the starting lineup in contention, due to the plethora of good Irish wingers available to Farrell, Lowe’s experience and maturity will help him in fighting for his place.
One of the best wingers in the tournament, Lowe’s explosive style of play will certainly make him a player to keep an eye on, as Ireland look to get back-to-back Grand Slams.
Jac Morgan, Flanker, Wales
Wales captain Morgan will need to rally the troops in 2025 in order to avoid receiving back to back wooden spoons.
After an underwhelming tournament in 2024, in which they lost each of their five matches, Wales, and Morgan will be looking to turn the tide for Welsh rugby as the new year gets into it’s stride.
Morgan will be a key factor in this resurgence, his strength as a ball carrier and power in tackle should rile up Welsh players and fans, driving them forward in what could be a bounce-back year for Wales.
Paolo Garbisi, Fly Half, Italy
Italian rugby is on the rise, and fly-half Paolo Garbisi is one of the catalysts. At just 24 years old, he is already beginning to cement himself as one of the best young players in world rugby.
With his pinpoint kicking and quick feet, he is a shining light in an Italy team who have never won a six nations, since it’s expansion in 2000.
Whilst he is known for his long-range kicks, Garbisi is already showing signs that he could one day lead Italy to a major title.
The first game will be at 20:15 GMT, between France and Wales, held at the Stade de France. Saturday sees the other two games to be played – with Scotland hosting Italy at 14:15 and England travel to Ireland, with a 16:15 kick-off.
