France Clinches Back-to-Back Six Nations Titles in Thrilling Finale
The 2026 Six Nations Championship culminated in a breathtaking finish as France secured their second consecutive title with a narrow 48-46 victory over England in Paris. A last-gasp penalty from Thomas Ramos sealed the win, denying England a remarkable comeback and sparking jubilant celebrations for les Bleus.
A Match for the Ages
The match was a captivating spectacle, with both sides showcasing attacking prowess. England, despite a challenging tournament, delivered their best performance, scoring seven tries. Ollie Chessum was a standout performer, crossing the try line twice. However, France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey proved equally lethal, notching four tries of his own. Ramos’s accurate kicking proved to be the difference, converting crucial opportunities and landing the decisive penalty.
England’s Improved Performance, Disappointing Finish
Even as the result was heartbreaking for England, their performance represented a significant improvement. Steve Borthwick’s team demonstrated newfound attacking intent and physicality, particularly in the pack, inspired by Chessum, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, and Joe Heyes. Despite the positive signs, England finished fifth in the championship, accumulating four defeats – an unprecedented number for the team in a single Six Nations.
Ireland Secure Triple Crown, Finish as Runners-Up
France’s victory snatched the Six Nations trophy from Ireland, who had earlier secured the Triple Crown with a dominant 43-21 win over Scotland. Ireland’s strong campaign, despite an opening-round loss to France, saw them finish as runners-up.
Scotland and Italy’s Campaigns
Scotland finished third in the standings, while Italy secured fourth place. Wales, despite a 31-17 defeat to Italy in their final match, ended their 15-match losing streak with their first Six Nations win in three years.
2026 Six Nations Fixtures and Results
Round 1
- France 36-14 Ireland – Stade de France, Paris
- Italy 18-15 Scotland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- England 48-7 Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Round 2
- Ireland 20-13 Italy – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Scotland 31-20 England – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Wales 12-54 France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Round 3
- England 21-42 Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Wales 23-26 Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- France 33-8 Italy – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
Round 4
- Ireland 27-17 Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Scotland 50-40 France – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Italy 23-18 England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Round 5
- Ireland 43-21 Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Wales 31-17 Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- France 48-46 England – Stade de France, Paris
2025 Six Nations Results
Round 1
- France 43-0 Wales – Stade de France, Paris
- Scotland 31-19 Italy – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Ireland 27-22 England – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Round 2
- Italy 22-15 Wales – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- England 26-25 France – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Scotland 18-32 Ireland – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Round 3
- Wales 18-27 Ireland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- England 16-15 Scotland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Italy 24-73 France – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Round 4
- Ireland 27-42 France – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Scotland 35-29 Wales – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- England 47-24 Italy – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Round 5
- Italy 17-22 Ireland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Wales 14-68 England – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- France 35-16 Scotland – Stade de France, Paris
Related: Upcoming rugby union fixtures
Did you know? France’s victory marked their first back-to-back Six Nations titles since 2021, and 2022.
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