Six Nations Rugby: Team Prospects and Schedules

England

World ranking: 7
Captain: Maro Itoje
Coach: Steve Borthwick
Schedule:
R1 at Ireland
R2 vs France
R3 vs Scotland
R4 vs Italy
R5 at Wales
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 1st
2021 5th
2022 3rd
2023 4th
2024 3rd

Prospects: The future looks bleak as England continues to grapple with organizational crises, including internal discontent regarding financial management led by CEO Bill Sweeney, who insists on retaining his position. Coach Steve Borthwick, meanwhile, managed to see through 2024 despite a lackluster win-loss record of 5-7, mirroring Eddie Jones’s dismissal in 2022. The transition from hooker Jamie George to lock Maro Itoje as captain aims for a more dependable leader moving toward the 2027 World Cup. However, Itoje’s history of penalizing errors raises concerns. Additionally, strategic decisions concerning player substitutions did not favor England in previous matches, particularly in their defense setup, which has seen redesigns post the departure of key strategists. The flyhalf position also presents challenges, with injuries impacting crucial players.
Quote: “We have fallen short over the last year in the final stages of games. While I think we are on a positive trajectory, it requires more to get the results you want. We need to work harder.” – Maro Itoje

France

World ranking: 4
Captain: Antoine Dupont
Coach: Fabien Galthie
Schedule:
R1 vs Wales
R2 at England
R3 at Italy
R4 at Ireland
R5 vs Scotland
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 2nd
2021 2nd
2022 1st
2023 2nd
2024 2nd

Prospects: With Antoine Dupont back on the field, France enters the tournament with high expectations, buoyed by his previous accolades. After a year-long hiatus from test rugby, during which he secured the sevens player of the year title, Dupont’s return is pivotal. The introduction of rules designed to protect scrumhalves is set to further enhance his contributions. Nevertheless, a wave of injuries affecting key players raises questions about squad depth. Fortunately, Romain Ntamack’s comeback from injury is a positive sign, as he teams up with Dupont again in the crucial flyhalf position.
Quote: “I’m happy to be back in this beautiful tournament. We’ve got a lot of ambition for this tournament; we have the potential to win it and I’m excited about that.” – Antoine Dupont

Ireland

World ranking: 2
Captain: Caelan Doris
Coach: Simon Easterby
Schedule:
R1 vs England
R2 at Scotland
R3 at Wales
R4 vs France
R5 at Italy
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 3rd
2021 3rd
2022 2nd
2023 1st
2024 1st

Prospects: Ireland aims for greatness with aspirations for a historical third consecutive title, a feat not achieved in over five decades. Simon Easterby steps in as coach during Andy Farrell’s temporary departure, but the team faces challenges amid reports of waning performance and reliance on senior players. The injury toll among crucial players has placed additional pressure on the squad. Moreover, Leinster’s dominance in domestic competitions contributes to the overall fitness and readiness of selected players.
Quote: “The challenge is to stay ahead of the pack and prepare as well as we can and try and play as well as we can. Speaking to the players, you can sense that they are up for the challenge. Facing England at home in the first round sharpens everyone’s mind.” – Simon Easterby

Italy

World ranking: 10
Captain: Michele Lamaro
Coach: Gonzalo Quesada
Schedule:
R1 at Scotland
R2 vs Wales
R3 vs France
R4 at England
R5 vs Ireland
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 6th
2021 6th
2022 6th
2023 6th
2024 5th

Prospects: With a successful previous year where Italy secured notable victories, expectations are rising for this season. While the team seeks to better its ranking, there is a balance of optimism and realism regarding forthcoming challenges, particularly with strong competitors. The involvement of Benetton Treviso in European competition hints at growing strength in Italian rugby, bolstered by talented players returning to the squad.
Quote: “This year will be more difficult than last year. In 2024, we achieved great results. We will have pressure and expectations, and we will have to get used to it. I can’t wait to start again. I like that our fans are excited.” – Gonzalo Quesada

Scotland

World ranking: 6
Captains: Finn Russell and Rory Darge
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Schedule:
R1 vs Italy
R2 vs Ireland
R3 at England
R4 vs Wales
R5 at France
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 4th
2021 4th
2022 4th
2023 3rd
2024 4th

Prospects: Scotland is battling setbacks with significant player injuries affecting their strategy. The absence of key individuals raises questions about the team’s ability to fulfill its potential. While the team has consistently beaten England in recent encounters, challenges persist, especially against Ireland. The favorable schedule may provide a chance for Scotland to build momentum.
Quote: “Injuries happen and that’s why you create depth over a longer period. We have some really good 12s in our squad who now have an opportunity they probably didn’t think was coming. We’re backing them to grab that opportunity.” – Gregor Townsend

Wales

World ranking: 11
Captain: Jac Morgan
Coach: Warren Gatland
Schedule:
R1 at France
R2 at Italy
R3 vs Ireland
R4 at Scotland
R5 vs England
Recent Six Nations history:
2020 5th
2021 1st
2022 5th
2023 5th
2024 6th

Prospects: Under pressure, Warren Gatland returns for another Six Nations after a challenging previous season. While there are some returning stars to bolster the squad, the overall average experience remains low. With a significant roster turnover and emerging talent, Welsh rugby faces an uphill battle to regain its foundational strength in this tournament.
Quote: “What he (Gatland) is good at, and certainly was when I was a player, was that backs-to-the-wall narrative. He brings players and teams together in a very short space of time and gets results out of them. He is exceptional at that. I am backing him to pull it round.” – Adam Jones, assistant coach.