Six Nations

Six Nations: France favourites, but have it tougher in ’23

With the highly-anticipated Six Nations set to kick-off this weekend, check out this preview of each of the nations that will be challenging for the honour of top European team in 2023.

epa09836853 France's Antoine Dupont looks on during the Six Nations rugby match between France and England in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, France, 19 March 2022.

Les Bleus legend slams France rugby

Former France back-row Olivier Magne said off-the-field problems bedevilling the country’s rugby are “sad” to see as Les Bleus prepare to start the defence of their Six Nations crown on Sunday.

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 01: Eddie Jones,(C) the England head coach, looks on with his forwards coach Steve Borthwick (L) during the England captain's run at the Fuchu Assahi Football Park on November 01, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.

Eddie’s ‘mind games’ a no for Borthwick

Steve Borthwick may have learned his trade as a coach under Eddie Jones but the new England boss said on Monday he has no intention of emulating his predecessor’s mind games, insisting he will remain “authentic”.

Damian Willemse lands a drop goal against England at Twickenham

Six Nations chief stands firm on Bok inclusion

Six Nations chief Ben Morel has ruled out any chance of the Boks joining the tournament despite SA’s success in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.

Farrell reprogrammed, Sexton defiant

Owen Farrell is toeing the company line after completing a World Rugby tackle class but Ireland counterpart Johnny Sexton says there’s nothing safe about low tackles.

SA lock gets England recall

A double injury blow has prompted head coach Steve Borthwick to recall David Ribbans to England’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament next month.

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 11: Paul Willemse of France runs at Tomas Francis of Wales during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and France at Principality Stadium on March 11, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Willemse boost for France

Lock Paul Willemse was named in France’s Six Nations squad after missing five Tests last year with a knee injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has announced.

epa09594821 Cameron Woki (C) of France celebrates a try during the Rugby Union Autumn International Test match between France and New Zealand in Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, 20 November 2021.

Woki adds to France’s early Six Nations woes

Cameron Woki, a pivotal figure in France’s Six Nations Grand Slam last season, will miss this year’s tournament due to a broken wrist, adding to the defending champions’ injury woes.

Borthwick backs ‘demanding’ Farrell to lead England

New England coach Steve Borthwick said the sky-high standards demanded by Owen Farrell throughout his glittering career were behind the decision to retain him as captain for the Six Nations campaign.

epa10047266 Owen Farrell of England warms up during the first Test match of the International Rugby Test series between Australia and England at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, 02 July 2022.

Borthwick sticks with captain Farrell

England coach Steve Borthwick retained Owen Farrell as captain while recalling veterans Dan Cole and Elliot Daly as he announced his first Six Nations squad on Monday.