2026 Six Nations Tournament Analysis: France Champions and the Keys to the Championship
The 2026 Six Nations Tournament has come to an end, with France being crowned champion. Despite the title, the Grand Slam eluded them for the third consecutive year. This year’s championship offered exciting rugby, with spectacular plays and unexpected twists in every matchday.
Here’s an analysis of each team’s performance in this tournament.
France: A-
France secured the championship with a narrow victory, thanks to a last-minute penalty by Thomas Ramos. The French showed their strength from the start, with convincing victories over Ireland and Wales. Although they suffered a defeat against Scotland, they demonstrated their ability to recover.
The French team boasts exceptional talent, led by players like Mathieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont, and Charles Ollivon. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, with his ability to score in every match, was key. Although they didn’t achieve the Grand Slam, France made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Ireland: B+
Ireland, after an initial defeat against France, reacted with determination. The victory over England at Twickenham was a highlight. The team demonstrated its development capacity, with players like Rob Baloucoune and Stuart McCloskey standing out. They finished with the Triple Crown and with confidence for the future.
Scotland: B+
Scotland, under pressure, showed its best version, driven by the leadership of Sione Tuipulotu. Their victories against England and France stood out. The Scottish attack, with Finn Russell, Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, was impressive. The challenge for Scotland is to maintain this level of play, thinking about next year’s World Cup.
Italy: B+
Italy was one of the most attractive teams in the tournament. Gonzalo Quesada’s team surprised everyone, highlighting the combination in the center of Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex. The victory over England was the highlight, consolidating Italy as a team to be reckoned with in the Six Nations.
England: E
England had a disappointing tournament, with four losses in five matches. Despite a promising performance against France, discipline issues and the lack of converting opportunities into points were their biggest weaknesses. Although they showed glimpses of their potential, the team did not meet expectations.
Wales: C
Wales had a complicated tournament, but showed signs of improvement. The victory against Italy, after three years without winning, was a key moment. The team, with players like Aaron Wainwright and Dewi Lake, demonstrated greater potential. With the return of Jac Morgan, Wales could be on the right track.
