During the recently-concluded Six Nations, kicking trended downwards. This was despite the total kick metres of four of the six teams increasing on the 2024 total. Can we find any link at all between kicking, tries scored and entertaining rugby? Their total kicks dropped from 39 in round one to 22 in round five. Jack van Poortvliet of England kicks during the Six Nations 2026 rugby match between Italy and England at Stadio Olimpico.

Source: The Irish Times March 21, 2026 10:38 UTC