This almost feels like a French home Six Nations, or at any rate everything is dictated by France Télévisions, and so they will launch the tournament next Thursday against Ireland at the Stade de France (kick-off 8.10pm Irish, live on Virgin Media and ITV). One of the stand-out features of the Six Nations is the degree to which away fans blend in with the home supporters, like no other annual tournament in world rugby. France’s last five Grand Slams dating back to 1998 have all been even years, including all four in the Six Nations era. “At the beginning of my tenure, I opted for a conservative approach to build collective experience within the French national team. Uini Atonio 'will not be able to continue his playing career,' France Rugby said.

Source: The Irish Times January 31, 2026 10:31 UTC