The 2026 Six Nations Championship has delivered one of the most dramatic finales in the tournament’s history, with France clinching the title in a breathless 48–46 victory over England on the final weekend. Here is a full review of the tournament — the winners, the losers, and the moments that defined six weeks of elite international rugby.
France — Deserving Champions
France came into the tournament as one of the favourites and largely delivered on that billing. Their campaign had moments of vulnerability — a stunning 50–40 defeat to Scotland in round three was a significant wobble — but they responded with dominant performances against Italy and Wales before producing a historic final-round victory over England to claim the trophy.
The 48–46 scoreline in Paris was extraordinary. Ten tries, end-to-end rugby and a French team that refused to be beaten despite trailing at various points through the second half. It was a fitting climax to a compelling tournament and a reminder of why the Six Nations remains the world’s premier international rugby competition.
Ireland — The Benchmark
Ireland were arguably the most consistently impressive team across the six rounds. Their 43–21 win over Scotland on the final weekend underlined a physicality and clinical edge that few sides in world rugby can match. Victories over England, Wales and Italy throughout the tournament confirmed their status as one of the top two or three teams in the world.
Whether they finish as champions or runners-up, Ireland’s performances in 2026 have reinforced the groundwork laid over recent seasons. The generation of players currently representing Ireland are playing some of the best rugby the country has ever produced.
Scotland — The Tournament’s Best Story
Scotland’s 50–40 victory over France was the match of the tournament. Ten tries, relentless attack and an atmosphere at Murrayfield that every neutral watching from home will have envied. Scotland’s ability to produce moments of genuine world-class rugby is now matched by a consistency that has been absent in previous seasons.
The 31–20 win over England in Edinburgh earlier in the tournament added further substance to Scotland’s campaign. A final placing that reflects genuine progress rather than occasional brilliance.
Italy — A Nation on the Rise
Italy’s 23–18 victory over England was the shock of the tournament and a result that encapsulates how far the Azzurri have come in recent years. Gone are the days of Italy being a straightforward win for the northern hemisphere’s stronger nations. Their direct running, physicality and organisation are now consistently competitive at Six Nations level.
Wales — A Tournament to Forget
Wales will reflect on 2026 as a difficult tournament. A 54–12 defeat to France was particularly bruising, and while the 31–17 win over Italy on the final weekend provided some consolation, it was a campaign that raised more questions than answers about where Welsh rugby is heading. The rebuild continues.
England — Wooden Spoon Pressure
England’s tournament was a catalogue of frustrations. Defeats to Scotland, Ireland and Italy — including the humbling 23–18 loss in Rome — left them fighting to avoid the Wooden Spoon before the final-round classic against France. The 48–46 scoreline will feel like small consolation for a side that needed to demonstrate significant progress and largely did not.
Questions over selection, game management and the ability to perform consistently at the highest level will dominate the discussion heading into the summer internationals.
The Numbers That Defined the Tournament
- Highest score: France 54–12 Wales
- Match of the tournament: Scotland 50–40 France
- Final round drama: France 48–46 England
- Biggest upset: Italy 23–18 England
For full match reports from every round, see the Rugby News section. For an explanation of how the Six Nations works and how the Championship is decided, see the Six Nations guide.
Useful Guides
- Rugby Rules Explained
- How Scoring Works in Rugby
- Referee Signals Explained
- Rugby Positions Explained