The festive cheer has long faded, the days remain short, and the weather is decidedly dreary—but February brings the annual sporting tonic that is the Guinness Six Nations. This year's edition, kicking off in 2026, possesses all the ingredients to be a genuine classic, and our exclusive Six Nations preview serves as your perfect companion for every twist and turn of the tournament. Order your copy now to secure this essential guide, available at participating retailers across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
England: A Resurgent Force Under Borthwick
England, under the astute leadership of Steve Borthwick, have emphatically rediscovered their swagger and competitive edge. Concluding 2025 with a formidable 11-match winning streak—a run that included a first victory over New Zealand in six years—the Red Rose enter this Six Nations as genuine title contenders. The squad's compelling blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience has supporters dreaming of a triumphant return to the glory days last witnessed under Eddie Jones.
France: Champions Ready to Reload Their Attack
Standing directly in England's path are the reigning champions, France, who shattered the tournament record for tries scored in a single campaign last year. Head coach Fabien Galthié has made several bold selection moves, dropping stalwarts Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, and Grégory Alldritt following a mixed November series. Yet, with the mercurial talent of Antoine Dupont back in the fold, Les Bleus remain a formidable and dangerous force. The prospect of a potential title-deciding clash between France and England on the tournament's final day is truly mouth-watering for fans.
Ireland: At a Critical Crossroads
Andy Farrell returns from his British and Irish Lions duties to lead an Ireland side looking to bounce back from a disappointing third-place finish in 2025. The critical question remains: was last year merely a temporary hiccup, or does the squad require a deeper, more fundamental overhaul? The coming weeks of intense Six Nations action will provide the definitive answer as Ireland aim to forcefully reassert themselves among Europe's elite rugby nations.
Scotland: Flair in Search of Silverware
Gregor Townsend, the longest-serving head coach among tier one nations, leads a Scotland side brimming with attacking flair—spearheaded by the irrepressible Finn Russell—but which remains notably short on recent silverware. Their campaign opens with a challenging trip to Rome, a fixture that is no longer the formality it once was, especially following a shock defeat there just two years ago.
Italy: Emerging as Genuine Dark Horses
Italy's remarkable resurgence under head coach Gonzalo Quesada has captured the attention of the entire rugby world, with South Africa's Rassie Erasmus even tipping them for a historic top-half finish—a feat that would represent their best ever tournament performance. The exceptional talent of Tommaso Menoncello, arguably one of the competition's premier players, gives the Azzurri genuine hope of upsetting the established order and causing significant surprises.
Wales: Navigating Challenging Times Ahead
For Wales, the immediate outlook appears less rosy. With inspirational captain Jac Morgan sidelined and Steve Tandy taking the reins for his first Six Nations campaign, the squad seems firmly in a transitional rebuilding phase. Even with the exciting return of Louis Rees-Zammit from his American football adventure, Wales face a considerable uphill battle to secure their first tournament victory since the distant days of 2023.
Your Complete Guide to the Tournament
This special Six Nations edition is comprehensively packed with exclusive big-name interviews, in-depth features on key players, and expert tactical analysis of every competing nation. We provide a detailed game-by-game breakdown of all the fixtures, spotlight the future stars set to emerge, and bring you unique insights from rugby legends. Furthermore, we look ahead to the Women's Six Nations, where England will aim to build on their stunning recent World Cup triumph.
Do not miss a single moment of the action—order your copy of the essential Six Nations preview today and join us for what promises to be a truly unforgettable tournament for the ages. The guide is available to purchase at all participating retailers; please note that standard online postage and packaging costs will apply for deliveries.
