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

On Wednesday morning La Rochelle released a statement that left the rugby world in shock

“Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Centre following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a heart attack. His condition is now stable and he remains, under supervision, in intensive care.”

“At the end of his hospitalisation, Uini will have to observe a long period of convalescence. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career.”

“Uini occupies a special place in history and in the heart of our Club. This news touches us deeply. The entire Club wishes to send him and his family its total and unwavering support in this ordeal.”

Rugby prides itself on being a game for all shapes and sizes Atonio was the literal definition he was all shapes and all sizes depending on the time of year needless to say the varying shapes and sizes were all large ones.

Born on 26 March 1990 in Timaru, New Zealand, to Samoan parents, he began playing rugby at a young age before moving to France in 2011 after being spotted at a rugby tens tournament in Hong Kong. 

Atonio spent his entire professional club career at La Rochelle, making over 300 appearances and helping the team rise from the second division (Pro D2) into the top tier (Top 14). He was a key figure in their back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023. 

After qualifying for France on residency grounds, Atonio made his international debut in 2014 and went on to earn 68 caps for Les Bleus. He played a central role in France’s successful Six Nations campaigns, including the 2022 Grand Slam and the 2025 title win. 

At 6ft 5ins and nearly 24 stones a smile was never far away from the big man’s face even in the heat of battle and off the field he is the kindest of gentle giants.

The abrupt end to his playing career is overshadowed by the huge relief that he is still alive and as well as can be expected with a good recovery anticipated.

So, with a new coaching set-up and new faces, how are you feeling going in?

Dewi Lake:

Yeah, I am feeling great with the new coaching set-up and the new faces. I think it has been a breath of fresh air for us as a group. It has brought a real sense of change, and the passion and energy the new coaching staff have brought has filtered down into the players and the environment. We are excited to get started. The level of detail the coaches bring is only going to make us better as players, and it will drive performances on the field as well.

Obviously there is respect for all nations, but with that in mind, England v Wales must be some first fixture to go into.

Dewi Lake:

Yeah, it is unbelievable. Wales against England away from home as a first fixture. The hostility you face from the crowd, evenarriving on the bus, is something special. That rivalry is still as big as ever, and it is a great game for us to target.

Everybody knows how important momentum is in this competition. A strong performance in game one against Italy and that momentum could soon be on your side going into the first three fixtures before the break.

I think it is crucially important that we put in a strong performance.

How much are you looking forward to rugby being the main focus now?

Dewi Lake:

I think that is what this competition gives us, the chance to focus our attention on Test match rugby. Ultimately, it allows us to focus on what we all want to be doing with our time anyway, which is playing rugby. It is easy for me to talk about rugby, and a lot harder when there is other stuff going on off the field. Getting into this competition and being able to focus on England first up will be a breath of fresh air for everyone, and it will allow us all to really lock in on that.

Are you able to put into words the emotions you will feel as captain on that first day?

Dewi Lake:

It is always difficult to put those emotions into words. Every time it feels more special, rather than more normal. Each opportunity makes me more appreciative, because I know how quickly you can get injured or miss out on selection. That is the nature of the game we play. I do not think the emotions could be any higher for a first match anyway, especially Wales against England.

Rugby fans are rarely the first group of people to be considered when fixtures are arranged, in fact they are often the last.

For many years, Six Nations matches taking place on a Sunday or indeed a Friday night have made life difficult for the thousands of loyal followers that fork out hundreds of pounds and euros to support their national team.

Whether it be attempting to catch one of the ethereal non-existent post-match trains from Cardiff Central, or the last midnight metro from Stade de France, the logistics are a fraught stressful energy sapping experience that can ruin your entire day.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, the 2026 Guinness Six Nations kicks off on a Thursday night… yes, a Thursday night in Paris and with a post 9pm kick off on February 5th.

Television rules the rugby roost I guess, so you may wonder what the programme schedulers had in mind when they pushed for this “prime” slot ?

Well, the reason the match was moved back a day from the originally scheduled Friday to Thursday was apparently due to a clash with the Winter Olympics starting in Cortina on the Friday, although I’m sure both events could be accommodated perfectly well.

Having said all that, France v Ireland is a mouth watering opening fixture irrespective of which day of the week it takes place and should ensure the 2026 Guinness Six Nations tournament hits the ground running.

France Guinness Six Nations squad has been affected by a bit of a number nine crisis it appears a neuf isn’t a neuf with Maxime Lucu, Nolann Le Garrec and Baptiste Juneau all injured.

This news is of course tempered by the return of Antoine Dupont who is scheduled to make his first international appearance for eleven months.

Elsewhere, Romain Ntamack will miss the early rounds of the tournament with a kidney injury which allows the in form Mathieu Jalibert to step in at fly half and spare coach Fabian Galthie the unenviable task of having to decide between the two wonderfully gifted tens.

And perhaps the biggest shock of all is the dropping of record try scorer Damian Penaud and former captain Gregory Alldritt, only the French with their depth of talent could perform such an act of high treason.

That big Thursday night in Paris can’t come soon enough.

FRANCE SIX NATIONS SQUAD

January in Wales has always been a time of anticipation and excitement as the Six Nations tournament looms into view.

For Wales and its fans this is the tournament that sets the pulses racing, the history, the noble successes and memories of wonderful days With family and friends.

But this year amidst the doom, gloom and infighting that hangs over the game in these parts the mood is much different.

Perhaps the one thing many of us feared most of all has taken hold-Apathy.

Wales have three home games this year and at the time of writing there are still 25,000 tickets available for the match against France on February 15th a fixture that not so long ago would have sold out long before 2026 had even begun.

It appears that even the lure of seeing Antoine Dupont in the flesh is not enough to entice many of the general public.

34,000 tickets are unsold for Wales’ final home game of the championship against Italy, whilst the Scotland fixture has around 13,000 available.

Supporting Wales has never meant guaranteed success. Fans are used to pain. But this feels different. It feels like watching something you love struggle to remember itself. 

Now we find ourselves celebrating small things. A decent defensive set. A half-break. A winger having a go even when the game’s already drifting away. Moments instead of matches. There is effort, but belief feels like a coat that is too thin to keep out the rain and bitter sleet.

And the worst part isn’t even the losing, it’s the familiarity of it. The way hope leaks out earlier each match. The way you brace yourself before the final whistle, already managing the disappointment.

Wales have lost 20 of their last 22 Guinness Six Nations matches and open their 2026 campaign against England on Saturday, February 7th at Twickenham, many folks have already adopted the brace position.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The winter of 1963 will go down as one of the coldest and most disruptive, certainly in my lifetime.

In the final days of 1962 a blizzard swept across South Wales with snow drifting more than 20 feet, this was the start of one of the worst winters on record, and the fact that Wales  lost to England in Cardiff on January 19, just added to the misery already being endured meteorological.

Average maximum temperatures in January were 0 degrees and the snow and ice did not shift in many places until March.

Such was the severity of this dreadful winter, the sea actually froze in Whitstable, Kent.

Despite the weather the Five Nations tournament somehow struggled on in dreadful conditions

England had to train at Porthcawl beach as it was the only snow free area available

Fifteen tons of straw had been laid to protect the pitch for the showdown between Wales and England after Cardiff arms Park had been covered with nine inches of snow which had fallen in a single day.

Sport had been brought to a standstill all over the country but despite the bitter cold and risk of more snow, everyone involved was determined that the match should go ahead.

Tractor drivers, grounds staff and volunteers spent ten days, working from dawn until dusk, mostly shovelling snow and straw away by hand until the pitch was clear.

Work started and within a couple of days we knew how much snow we could clear. It turned out that the Wales v England game was the only sports event held in Britain that day. “The atmosphere among the clearers was fantastic. The president of the union would come down every day with bottles of whisky for the men because it was so cold, but everybody enjoyed themselves.”

After the big clear-up operation the pitch was covered with straw again to stop the grass freezing. groundstaff weren’t allowed back onto the pitch to clear the straw until two hours before the match.

Hundreds of volunteers covered the pitch with straw and braziers were lit

The Welsh captain that day was Clive Rowlands on his international debut, and he believes the match should never have been played

“It was awful underfoot, someone could have been seriously injured, it was so hard the players sounded like a herd  of cattle running at you”

“As it was my first cap I was, of course, happy to play”

The England wing Peter Jackson said ” A bright day was forecast and they assumed that a couple of hours sunshine would make all the difference”

“The biggest problem was the change in surface. One minute you would be running on a part of the pitch which had been under or near a brazier and the next you’d be in the rock hard stuff, players were slipping and sliding all over the place”.

Referee Kevin Kelleher wanted to call of the game just before kick off, but with 55,000 inside Cardiff Arms Park he was persuaded that it might be in his best interests to go ahead with the game.

The temperature at kick off time was -6 degrees, and both teams remained in the changing rooms during the playing of the anthems.

The game itself was won by England 13-6, Mike Phillips (no not that one !) and John Owen scored tries for England, whilst Richard Sharp kicked two conversions and a drop goal.

Wakes points came from a penalty by Graham Hodgson and a Dai Hayward try.

After the match the teams returned to the changing rooms to find the pipes had burst and they had to go to the local swimming pool to shower.

England would not beat Wales again in Cardiff until 1991.