France start 2026 as favourites despite Antoine Dupont's ACL layoff; Louis Bielle-Biarrey's try form and France's depth make them strong bets to retain the title. Punters might back France in outright markets, consider match-by-match favourites lines (France/England/Ireland), and watch Dupont's fitness for markets tied to personnel and point totals.
2026 Men's Six Nations: full schedule
All kick-off times GMT Thursday February 5 Saturday February 7 Saturday February 14 Sunday February 15 Saturday February 21 Sunday February 22 Friday March 6 Saturday March 7 Saturday March 14
Defending champions and title favourites
France return aiming to retain the crown
France are the reigning Six Nations champions after a dominant 2025 campaign that included a statement 42-27 win in Dublin and a 35-16 final-day victory over Scotland in Paris. Their wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey scorched the championship with an eye-catching haul of eight tries and was named Player of the Tournament. The side will chase back-to-back titles despite the notable absence of Antoine Dupont, sidelined by an ACL injury sustained in 2025.
2025 recap: form lines heading into 2026
Ireland and the Triple Crown run
Ireland won their opening three fixtures in 2025 to claim the Triple Crown and looked poised for a third successive title before a heavy home defeat to France in round four ended those hopes.
England, Scotland, Wales and Italy — where they stand
England finished second in 2025 after inconsistent displays early on, but heavy victories such as the 68-14 win over Wales in Cardiff showed their attacking ceiling. Scotland ended fourth, Italy took fifth with a sole victory over Wales in Rome, and Wales slipped to the Wooden Spoon for a second consecutive year after losing all five matches.
Key personnel and leadership
Maro Itoje remains a talismanic figure for England and will look to marshal Steve Borthwick's side with leadership experience gained from captaining the British and Irish Lions to a series win in Australia. France will be tested on depth and strategy while Dupont recovers; his return timeline will shape selection and tactical setups.
Trophies and special honours explained
Grand Slam
A Grand Slam is achieved when a team beats all five other nations in a single tournament — a rare and celebrated accomplishment in Six Nations history.
Triple Crown
Contested among the Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the Triple Crown goes to any of those teams that beat the other three in the same campaign.
Calcutta Cup
The Calcutta Cup is awarded to the winner of the annual England vs Scotland match. The 2026 meeting is scheduled for Saturday February 14 at Murrayfield, where Scotland will bid to reclaim the Cup after a one-point defeat in 2025.
Betting outlook and tactical markets to watch
With France as favourites but missing Dupont, outright markets and player availability lines will be most sensitive to injury news. Expect competitive pricing for England and Ireland in title markets; match-by-match bets on favourites and point spreads look viable. Markets linked to try-scorers and total points could be influenced by Bielle-Biarrey's form and any tactical shifts while key players recover.
What to monitor before placing bets
Watch official team announcements for Dupont's recovery, late injuries, and starting XV confirmations. Early-season form, weather and venue (home advantage) will be crucial for short-term markets such as match winners and totals, while squad depth will influence longer-run outright and prop markets.
Lions draft in England Rugby World Cup legend ahead of crucial Australia clash
All the fixtures and schedule for the 2026 Men's Six Nations as France look to defend their title against England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.
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