Round 1 of the annual Men’s Six Nations championship begins on Thursday 5th February, with the two matches on Saturday 7th February bringing the opening round of fixtures to a close.

The other four rounds take place on consecutive weekends except for the weekend of 28th February – 1st March, which features no Men’s Six Nations matches.

On the Men’s Six Nations and the 2026 international calendar as a whole, England’s Jamie George said, “It’s a big year in general with the Nations Championship and the Six Nations, and I just think that rugby is in such an exciting spot at the minute, because you’ve got so many opportunities to see the best vs. the best, and that’s exactly what you’re going to see with the Six Nations.”

In 2025, France took home the trophy after winning 4 of their 5 matches in the Men’s Six Nations tournament. They finished above second-place England and third-place Ireland based on bonus points as all three nations only lost one match apiece.

Scotland finished in fourth place after winning two of their matches whilst Italy finished in fifth with their only win coming against Wales who finished bottom with no wins from 5 matches.

Who are the current holders of the championship silverware?
The Guiness Men’s Six Nations Trophy (awarded to the nation that finishes at the top of the table): France
The Triple Crown (awarded to a home nation if they beat the other three home nations): Ireland
Calcutta Cup (awarded to whoever wins the England v Scotland match): England
Millennium Trophy (awarded to whoever wins the England v Ireland match): Ireland
Centenary Quaich (awarded to whoever wins the Ireland v Scotland match): Ireland
Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (awarded to whoever wins the France v Italy match): France
Auld Alliance Trophy (awarded to whoever wins the France v Scotland match): France
Doddie Weir Cup (awarded to whoever wins the Wales v Scotland match): Scotland
Cuttitta Cup (awarded to whoever wins the Italy v Scotland match): Scotland
Wooden Spoon (unofficial tag given to the nation that finishes at the bottom of the table): Wales.

On the excitement surrounding the Men’s Six Nations for Rugby in the Northern Hemisphere, Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said: “If you can’t get excited for the Six Nations, you’re in the wrong place and the wrong job.

To me, every single time I’m fortunate enough to be involved in a Six Nations Championship, the energy and the excitement because you understand just what it means to the teams that are playing and the countries, the rivalries all of that, I think it’s something special that we’ve got with the Six Nations over here in the Northern Hemisphere.”

What should you expect from the Six Nations?

England currently sit 3rd in the World Rankings, behind only South Africa and New Zealand, after four victories from four matches in the Quilter Nations Series late last year. England, whose squad features 3 uncapped players and who will be captained once again by Maro Itoje, will be hoping to regain the Men’s Six Nations title for the first time since 2020.

Ireland is the next best team according to the World Rankings, in which they sit in 4th, after winning two of four Quilter Nations Series matches in November last year. Ireland last won the men’s Six Nations title in 2024 and will be captained by Caelan Doris, with two uncapped players making the squad.

Current holders France sit 5th in the World Rankings after two wins and one loss in the 2025 Quilter Nations Series. France will be looking to claim their 8th Men’s Six Nations title with 12 uncapped players named in the squad, with captain Antoine Dupont making his return to the Six Nations competition.

Scotland sit 9th in the current World Rankings after winning two out of four matches in the Quilter Nations Series in November last year. Scotland will be looking to win their first-ever Men’s Six Nations title with Sione Tuipulotu once again captaining the side.

Italy is ranked 10th in the world after winning two out of three Quilter Nations Series matches late last year. Italy have never won the Men’s Six Nations title, but after improvements in recent years, the team will be hoping to utilise their squad, which will be captained by Michele Lamaro and feature two uncapped players.

Wales will be looking to improve on their recent Six Nations performances, which have seen them win the past two wooden spoons. They currently sit 11th in the World Rankings after three losses and one tight victory over Japan in the Quilter Nations Series last year. They will be captained by Dewi Lake and will feature two uncapped players.

In the opening round of the Men’s Six Nations, Italy’s captain Michele Lamaro said: “This is the period of the year that you’re always looking forward to because it’s the most exciting one. You know you’re going to face a lot of big challenges against the best teams in the world, so now we’re really excited for it and really excited to start it off.”

The first match of round 1 of the 2026 Men’s Six Nations will take place on 5th February as the current holders France take on Ireland at the Stade de France.

Italy then face Scotland before England host Wales, both on Saturday 7th February as the opening round of fixtures comes to a close with all matches being available to watch on Freeview TV.