Explore the latest developments concerning Six Nations 2026.
Six Nations 2026 predictions: our writers on who will win and why
England have the squad depth, but France have a returning hero and hosting duties for the potentially decisive finale
What are you most looking forward to? Let’s hope it stops raining at some stage. Because if Matthieu Jalibert, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Henry Arundell, Manny Feyi-Waboso, Louis Rees-Zammit et al have a licence to thrill with a dry ball this could be an eye-catching championship.
Who is going to win and why? France. Three home games, the world’s best player fit again, big forwards, highly promising youngsters, and England haven’t won the title in the season after a British & Irish Lions tour since 1963.
What impact might 'unprecedented' Six Nations schedule have?
England were runners-up in the 2025 Six Nations when France were crowned champions
In a sport which is often changing, the Six Nations is usually left well alone.
While the authorities tinker with laws and competitions, they dare not meddle with the famous old Championship.
February and March, every year. Since 2000, the same six teams. And any talk of promotion and relegation, or expansion, is just that – talk. The Six Nations is brilliantly enduring and enduringly brilliant.
Not just because of a Thursday night start for the first time, but in an unprecedented move the tournament will be played over just six weeks rather than seven, with only one rest weekend between rounds three and four. There will be three back-to-back games at the start.
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How and when to watch the Six Nations rugby for free on French TV
The 2026 Six Nations rugby championship runs from February 5 until March 14, and all the matches will be shown on French TV.
Defending champions France will be looking to retain their title this year, facing Ireland for the opening match at the Stade de France in Paris, kicking-off at 21:10.
Teams will then travel between Rome, London, Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff, with one match (France-Italy) scheduled to take place at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
This year, the competition is set to take place over a reduced timeframe with just one ‘rest week’ after round three, and no ‘rest week’ after round two.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Six Nations 2026.