Nocturnal France playing at home with the customary post 9pm kick off were favourites against their beleaguered old rivals from across le manche but, there was a Gallic nervousness in the air. French fans do not count their cockerels these days,

The events of the unsuccessful 2023 Rugby World Cup still cast a long shadow in these parts but the previous weekend’s mauling at Murrayfield is in the development stage of being even more traumatic and longer lasting.

For France, le Grand Chlelem is everything. The immensely talented squads of recent years should have achieved far more than they have done, and whilst winning the six nations championship is no mean feat, the mystical clean sweep is a treasured and much vaunted triumph that should have been in French hands much more often.

This golden generation have just one ‘slam’ achieved in 2022 and one other title in 2025. For the wonderfully talented players that have inhabited the glorious blue jersey during the last seven years this is a poor return.

England arrived in Paris from their Roman ruins via Verona not just with their tail between their legs but with it fully docked. On Thursday night Les Bleus left their training camp to watch rehearsals of the ballet of featuring two previous Verona residents Romeo and Juliet at the Opéra Garnier, no doubt in a bid instil some tranquility into a squad chomping at the bit to get back in the saddle.

The fuming frustrated French players having been fed a diet of raw meat and espressos all week were dripping with perspiration and twitching manically before they had even departed the players tunnel on Saturday night.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards’ external jugular vein had finally decreased to safe levels in size and colour as England kicked off in the final game of arguably the best ever Guinness Six Nations Championship. By the end of an extraordinary game goodness only knows what state the poor man was in.

With 82:46 on the clock France were losing 46-45 to the English whilst in Dublin the Six Nations trophy was a breath away from being coated in green ribbons. But one breath was all that France needed to snatch victory and in one exhale, via the right boot of Thomas Ramos, the title was theirs.

48 hours after this epic match despite going through the entire Oxford English Dictionary I struggle to find any words that do justice to this match.

The 2026 title winners were only revealed in the last second of the last match on the last day of the tournament , it can only be only the Guinness Six Nations Championship.

The bond between Wales and Italy is a very close one, particularly in the Welsh capital, and when heading northwards up in to the valleys.

There was a time when every little town and community in Wales had an Italian cafe and an ice cream parlour.

Many of them have now disappeared, or been superseded by multi-national chains, but the memories still remain, not just of the cafes, but also of the people who ran them and how they and their establishments became a centre of those communities.

As Wales and Italy prepared to battle it out, Cardiff’s wealth of Italian eateries filled up, Giovanni’s, Da Mara’s, Stefano’s and Antonio’s provided a conveyor belt service of antipasto, meatballs al forno and pizza.

The whole of Wales hoped their men would stir to avoid a third consecutive Guinness Six Nations whitewash a hope that was accompanied with a hint of expectation following two encouraging performances against Scotland and Ireland.

Optimism in Cardiff yesterday may have centred around two crucial factors. one-that the Italians had indulged in a few Peroni’s too many after their historic win over England in the eternal city and, secondly that the blistering pace and balletic footwork of Rhys Bielle-Carre, the new Welsh folk hero, would prove too much for the blue defensive wall.

On the final day of a Six Nations championship where the only thing predictable has been its unpredictability, Wales finally ended a three-year Six Nations losing streak in glorious style with a bonus-point win.

Number eight Aaron Wainwright crossed for two tries with a further score from captain Dewi Lake. Impressive fly-half Dan Edwards finished with 16 points, including a try and a drop-goal, as Wales romped into a 31-0 lead.

For once Welsh fans could actually sit on the sofa rather than crouch behind it. With a big lead even Italy’s comeback did not create the usual gut wrenching nerve jangling last ten minutes usually associated with any Welsh win.

The win did not prevent delivery of the wooden spoon but the fact that Wales stirred so magnificently softened the blow immensely.

This performance compared to the opening day surrender at Twickenham was chalk and Mozzarella. Wales have not only found the tunnel they also appear to have seen the light at the end of it.

On a Spring Sunday morning with the sun shining and a Wales win racing around your head things feel pretty good, and after a dark grim Winter, I think we’ll settle for that.

There is something about Murrayfield that disturbs the French psyche. Media in France often label trips to Edinburgh as a piège (“the trap match”).

For generations, visits to Murrayfield have carried a particular sense of unease for the French. While Scotland have not always entered these fixtures as favourites.

These encounters in Edinburgh have repeatedly ruined French championship ambitions and produced some of their most frustrating defeats in modern Six Nations history.

The reputation is not built on myth. A combination of conditions, atmosphere, and history has gradually transformed Murrayfield into one of France’s most uncomfortable away venues.

Many times France have arrived in Edinburgh with Grand Slams and titles on the line only to be sent home to réfléchis encore.

In 2006, France arrived a Grand Slam within reach and confidence sky high. Difficult weather conditions and a fiercely physical Scottish performance dragged the match into an attritional contest that neutralised France’s attacking strengths.

Scotland won 20–16. In France, journalists increasingly began referring to Murrayfield as a terrain maudit, a cursed ground, where French fluency seemed to disappear.

In 2020, it was a similar story a 28–17 defeat effectively halted France’s championship surge and reinforced a familiar narrative.

But this current crop of bleus brothers arrived in the Scottish capital with only rugby hand luggage and thought they had left all that historical baggage in lost property.

They departed homeward with the weight of the world on their shoulders following a match that defied belief, expectation, and anything realistically predicted.

90 points and 13 tries are the incredible bare statistics of a match that emphasises what a wonderful and unpredictable tournament the Guinness Six Nations is.

White shirted France with 15,000 of their fellow countrymen occupying the Murrayfield stands appeared to be blinded by the Scottish sunshine in a first half.

The unusual weather was not the only surprising factor as the French scrum creaked and the home backs outshone their illustrious counterparts.

Trailing 19-14 at half-time, surely the real France would come out for the second half, but the real France were nowhere to be seen, even the great Antoine Dupont was looking flustered and making uncharacteristic errors.

It was only when Scotland led 47-14 that France found their mojo. Four tries in the final fourteen minutes made the scoreboard respectable and ensured the visitors gained a try scoring bonus point that could prove crucial to their championship hopes, which despite the 50-40 defeat are still alive and kicking.

Only Scotland, Ireland, or France can now win the 2026 Guinness Six Nations championship. In next Saturday’s final round of matches, Scotland and Ireland face each-other at 14:10 GMT, before France host England in the final match of the tournament in Paris (20:10).

A bonus-point win for Scotland would mean the French need the same to deny them the title.

Ireland, too, could still claim the title with a victory over the Scots and a favourable result in Paris. The way this Six Nations has gone so far, be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Halley’s Comet returns to Earth’s vicinity approximately once every 75 years, making it possible for a person to see it twice in their lifetime. A Welsh Six Nations victory is assuming similar proportions.

There have been more sightings of Shergar, Lord Lucan and rocking horse droppings than there have been of Welsh rugby successes in recent years so any glimmer of hope for a return to better days is greeted with open arms.

Bread of heaven has been gluten-free in these parts since 17 February 2022 but last Saturday we thought we could finally toast (see what I did there ?) a victory, but when you are Welsh you learn at a very early age to never take anything for granted.

The stadium clock was showing 74 minutes, the men in red were just six minutes away from a memorable win. 74,000 souls were at fever pitch creating the sights and sounds this wonderful cathedral squeezed into the centre of Cardiff used to regularly transmit it was an emotional transformation and something we thought we might never experience again.

Yet here we were Wales leading Scotland 23-19 yes the same Wales cast out pre match at 9/1 with the bookies to beat the tartan terrors who had destroyed the English a week earlier, one could taste, smell and almost touch that elusive win.

But, in sport heartbreak does not arrive early it waits for certainty. Wales played with fire in their bellies and steel in their hearts, a victory was within their grasp, but they could only watch it turn to ashes in the final minutes.

Despite defeat, this was the performance we had all been craving. The old stadium rattled once again with the ear-piercing sound of hymns and arias, finally we experienced the emotions that had eluded us since for what seemed like an eternity ….. Hope and pride.

It was the rugby crash trolley, the oval defibrillator reviving a team who are not out of the woods yet but whose condition is for the time being, at least, stable.

It seems clear the fans will return, the passion and the fervour is still there all it needs is for those glowing embers to be re-ignited.

In a country where wine is generally king, Lille is France’s beer capital. Pelforth is a French brewery founded in 1914 in Mons-en-Barœul by three Lillois brewers. It was originally called Pelican, after a dance popular at the time, but changed its name to Pelforth after World War II. The name is a mash up of Pelican and “forte”, which means strong – and this is the style of beer they brew, including a blonde, brune and amber.

Northern France is not a hotbed of rugby, but as France took its 2026 Guinness Six Nations roadshow up country, it was time for the folks of Hauts-de-France to cheer on their boys in blue.

Stade Pierre Mauroy is tucked away in one of those out of town complexes at Villeneuve d’Ascq, a suburb 6km southeast of Lille City Centre, just a gentle meandering fifteen minute metro ride from Gare Lille Flandres.

It was here two years ago that France escaped an humiliating defeat with a fortunate 13-13 draw when Paulo Garbisi’s injury time penalty hit the post after the ball had fallen off the kicking tee during his run up.

There was no danger of an upset this time around despite a dogged physical competitive performance from Italy who rattled the French scrum.

France came to life in their own inimitable way when it was necessary, scoring five tries, the first after just 3 minutes by guess who ?-Louis Bielle-Biarrey- setting a record for scoring a try in eight consecutive matches in the Six Nations.

France now head to Murrayfield, knowing a bonus point win will give them the title, but for now it’s au revoir to our friends in the north, and as we sip on an ice cold Pelforth, it’s job done for Les bleus.

Salut

It used to be said that Twickenham is the place where English dreams go to be politely applauded.

It was also regarded as the only stadium in the world where 80,000 people can make the noise of 8,000.

But things have changed, there is a passion and a connection between the congregation and the players these days which is being led by the ‘Marmite man’ Henry Pollock amongst others.

Despite suffering a comprehensive defeat at Murrayfield the home crowd were hoping that the Valentine’s Day tiff in Edinburgh was a mere blip in the progression of a side chock-full of talent.

This afternoon at the Allianz Stadium, the men in green arrived, no not the Martians, but the number five ranked side in the world, Ireland.

They left no Blarney Stone unturned in their efforts to prune a few red roses.

With Storm Pedro out of the way, a mild damp morning gave way to a misty cloudy early afternoon and perfect playing conditions.

Pedro may have departed these shores, but Ireland created their own rugby tornado as they ripped the English defence to shreds in a first half that defied belief.

As England’s errors increased, so did the volume of ‘fields of Athenry’ from the pockets of Irish fans, drowning out the song about a sweet chariot that was marooned on the hard shoulder with a puncture, hazard lights on and steam coming from its engine.

England discipline and accuracy was shocking in a contest that was even more one-sided than the final scoreline suggests.

Ireland could and perhaps should have gone into the interval even further ahead than 22-7 such was their dominance. To add to the chaos, referee Andrea Piardi had to be replaced after suffering a leg injury in the 29th minute.

With Ireland Leading 22-0 England’s try in the 42nd minute gave the chariot a jump start but within three minutes of the second half the men in white had conceded a try and a yellow card to that marmite man.

England’s ill discipline continued to haunt them, and their two second half tries flattered the scoreline. Make no mistake, this was a pasting for a side who just two games ago were on a twelve match unbeaten run and being talked of as potential World Cup winners.

Voltaire wrote “Misfortune comes on wings and departs on foot”  England will certainly be kicking themselves over the events of the last two weeks as the Guinness Six Nations takes a week’s break.

Take That will perform the spectacular return of their record-breaking tour ‘The Circus Live’ at the Principality Stadium on 16th June 2026.

This afternoon France decided that Wales would ‘Take That’ a few months early in a rugby circus where the clown car called Welsh rugby tooted its horn and backfired as the doors fell off.

With Valentine’s Day in their rear view mirror, love was in the air for the bleus brothers. They did all the wooing, capturing our hearts with beautiful lines of running together with a grace and beauty that defied their more than ample physicality.

After the terrors of Twickenham it was carnage in Cardiff as the blue wave turned into a tsunami engulfing the Welsh defence, or rather the lack of it, and swept them off their feet.

France got so far over the gain line their second phase almost developed in Westgate street, Wales had no answers, in fact they couldn’t even understand the questions.

A crowd of 57,744 the lowest ever crowd in Cardiff for a match in the tournament turned up. How many were paying customers it is hard to calculate as thousands of tickets were reportedly given away in an effort to fill the stadium.

France’s eight try victory was beyond comfortable, without an ounce of pressure after building a 19-0 lead in the first quarter of an hour.

Wales showed improvements from Twickenham, but it would have been difficult not to, their scrum and line out went well, and they scored two tries.

This French side are a joy to watch from 1 to 23 they play rugby from the gods. With fly half Mathieu Jalibert in the form of his life, and Antoine Dupont alongside, the back line purrs what Wales wouldn’t give for players of similar quality.

To add to Wales woes they have a challenging six-day turnaround before they face Scotland on Saturday, it never rains in Welsh rugby when it pours.

When Max Boyce wrote songs of celebration about Wales’ trips to Twickenham and penned lyrics of light-hearted ridicule about their English opponents, the world seemed a happier place. Well, it did to those of us born in god’s country and forced to live on the wrong side of the River Severn due to parental geographical relocation or witness protection.

Sadly those days are now a distant memory hidden in the midsts of historical recollection and imprisoned in old DVD’s, videos and grainy YouTube clips.

Yesterday at the Allianz Stadium formerly known as Twickenham Wales’ descent into the rugby abyss continued.

Dante’s inferno had only nine layers of hell unlike Welsh rugby which continues to create new layers on a weekly basis.

The absence of Welsh fans was noticeable compared to previous years but perhaps not surprising.

Fifty years ago I stood here in the pouring rain watching JPR Williams score a brace of tries in a 21-9 victory for Wales, an experience that I would happily have relived yesterday. The only similarity half a century later was the pouring rain.

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there” is a famous quote by L.P. Hartley from his 1953 novel The Go-Between. In Wales’ case the past is a distant galaxy, and the reality of the rugby times in which we now live in were hammered home on a wet winter’s evening much to the delight of the home crowd.

Just before kick off the rain finally ceased, the clouds parted as a glimmer of sunshine and blue sky peeped through the dark grey clouds.

This was the only brightness Wales saw as they failed to execute even the basic skills in a first half that was quite frankly embarrassing from a Welsh point of view.

When you can’t win your own line out ball or even execute a tap penalty. yes you do have to play the ball with your foot, there really is no hope.

Two yellow cards reduced Wales to thirteen men for two ten minute period during which England made hay, but to be honest they made hay when Wales had fifteen men as they harvested four tries in the first half and three in the second period.

In the second half England barely got out of second gear yet still managed to take their try count to seven as Wales poor discipline and inaccuracy continued.

For the record Josh Adams scored a consolation try for Wales but this was another in a long line of dismally depressing performances from the men in red.

For Wales it doesn’t get any easier. They face France in Cardiff next Sunday a scary prospect indeed.

Those new layers of hell are still increasing with no sign of abating.

Thursday night is normally a time of hope when anticipation stirs as the final day of the traditional working week approaches. Plans taking shape for the weekend ahead gather apace.

In Paris, things are a little bit out of kilter this week as the 2026 Guinness Six Nations kicked off on a Thursday night in the French capital with France the trophy holders entertaining Ireland at the Stade de France.

There may be a few ‘sickies’ being registered this morning, both here and in the Emerald Isle. Productivity in both countries will more than likely take a dip apart of course from the coffee industry.

A post 9pm kick off is nothing new in these parts, but it is still a challenge for the players and also those spectators who have to sprint for the final midnight RER and metro trains back to the city centre post match.

It could be argued that both teams have recently performed below their best, but the result of this match would undoubtedly have a big say in who would end up as the 2026 Champions.

It poured in Paris but the rain didn’t dampen the atmosphere or the pre match light show that the French have taken to a new level.

As the rain fell France poured forward and totally dominated a first half in which they scored three tries whilst the Irish were unable to fire a single shot.

A 22-0 half time lead was no more than Les Bleus deserved.

France extended their lead early in the second half when Louis Bielle-Biarrey went over for his second try to give the home side a 29-0 lead.

With victory assured Ireland’s bench breathed new life into the game and two tries in the space of three minutes gave the men in green some hope.

But after taking their foot off the gas France pressed the accelerator pedal to finish in the ascendancy and Attissogbe’s 80th minute try converted by Ramos sealed a 36-14 bonus point victory.

Some of France’s handling in the wet was mesmeric and the improvement in their Aerial defence was massive.

As Thursday night reached over to Friday morning the Stade de France shutters and gates clanked and groaned shut, it had been a long day for everyone involved but the 2026 Guinness Six Nations was now well and truly underway. The French squad will sleep peacefully in their beds tonight…. Eventually.

Ahead of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations which begins on Thursday night in Paris, France captain and global rugby superstar Antoine Dupont is raring to go after almost a year out of international rugby following a serious knee injury.

He spoke to the gathering media earlier this week.

How are you feeling going into the game against Ireland?

Antoine Dupont:

We are motivated and excited about the first game at home. It will be a bit strange to play on Thursday night, but we are taking the opportunity to play the opening game of the Six Nations. It is always special, and we know everyone will be watching, so we have to be ready for that.

You have a number of uncapped players in the squad. How are we going to see this new side gel?

Antoine Dupont:

They are doing very well at the moment in the Top 14, so it is rare for them to be available for selection. We all know that when you are on the field, you have to give 110 percent. I think it will help the team to bring a lot of energy and motivation, and to create a different atmosphere during the preparation for these games.

Has that changed how you prepare for matches like this?

Antoine Dupont:

Not really, because the game plan is the same for most of the players as it has been for the last few years. We know each other very well. Even the uncapped players have been involved in November or in the last Six Nations, even if they did not play. This is just the next phase of our group.

For you personally, there is always so much excitement around you. Even here, everyone wants a photo when you step on stage. How do you handle that?

Antoine Dupont:

I have been in this position for the last few years now, so I focus on myself, the team, and my personal objectives. I am demanding enough of myself already, so I do not put extra pressure on myself because of the environment. I try to stay focused on that.

How important is it to get off to a strong start here?

Antoine Dupont:

We know this tournament is very demanding. There is no room for mistakes. If you lose the first game at home, it becomes very difficult to win the tournament. So it is extremely important to start well.

After the Six Nations, there is also a big year of rugby ahead.

Antoine Dupont:

Like every year, we will experience a new competition, the Nations Cup. We do not know much about it yet, so we will see how it goes. It is always tricky for French players, because the first summer international is just one week after the Top 14 final. That is always a challenge for us. Sometimes it makes these games difficult, and it can be disappointing. We will see how we manage that.

 France face Ireland on Thursday evening at Stade de France kick off 2100 CET 2010 GMT live on ITV