Six Nations 2026 Kicks Off With Bold Selections And Rising Stars

The 2026 Six Nations Championship has kicked off with a bang, bringing together rugby’s elite from across Europe for six weeks of gripping action, fresh faces, and fierce rivalries. The opening round has already thrown up plenty of intrigue, from bold selection calls to headline-grabbing player comebacks, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement as fans look ahead to what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.

Let’s start in Rome, where Scotland are set to open their Six Nations campaign against Italy on Saturday, February 7th, at 2:10pm GMT. The Scots return to the Italian capital for the first time since their disappointing defeat there in March 2024, determined to make amends and build on last year’s fourth-placed finish. However, head coach Gregor Townsend has made some big decisions in his squad selection, dropping British and Irish Lion Blair Kinghorn from the matchday 23 entirely. In his place at full-back steps Tom Jordan, a move that’s sure to be closely scrutinized by supporters and pundits alike.

Townsend’s backline for the opener features another notable change: Jamie Dobie, the versatile 24-year-old Glasgow Warrior, is handed his first Six Nations start on the wing opposite Kyle Steyn. Dobie’s form for Glasgow this season—especially his try-scoring exploits and ability to cover both wing and full-back—has made him a valuable asset, and his inclusion over stalwarts like Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe signals a new era for Scottish rugby. Graham, struggling for top form, finds himself on the bench, while Van der Merwe misses out on the 23 altogether, having also been dropped in the autumn after a dip following his Lions involvement last summer.

Up front, Jack Dempsey has shaken off concerns over a foot injury to start at No. 8, joining a pack that includes Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist, Matt Fagerson, and Rory Darge. The half-back pairing of Ben White and Finn Russell will look to control proceedings, while Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones form a dynamic midfield partnership. The replacements’ bench features plenty of firepower, with George Turner, Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, George Horne, Adam Hastings, and Darcy Graham all ready to make an impact.

Scotland’s last trip to Rome ended in defeat—a result that still stings. This time, Townsend and his men are aiming for a strong start to put that memory behind them. The coach’s bold selection choices have certainly set the tone for a campaign where no spot is guaranteed, and every player must earn their place.

Elsewhere in the tournament, the spotlight falls on several rising stars and returning heroes. England’s Henry Pollock is a name on everyone’s lips after a sensational year that saw him score twice on debut against Wales, earn a British and Irish Lions call-up for the Australia tour, and help Northampton reach the European Champions Cup final. Pollock, dubbed the “blonde-haired bomber,” was named Premiership breakthrough player-of-the-year and has quickly become the face of England’s new generation. Head coach Steve Borthwick has openly welcomed the energy and social media savvy of his so-called “TikTok generation,” believing it brings a fresh connection to fans and a new dynamic to the squad.

England themselves face a blockbuster opening round clash with Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, February 7th, with kickoff at 4:10pm GMT. This match marks the 144th meeting between these two bitter rivals, and while England have won the last three encounters, history shows that form often counts for little in such a heated context. England’s starting XV features the return of Henry Arundell on the left wing, making his first start since the 2023 World Cup. Jamie George leads the side as captain, with regular skipper Maro Itoje on the bench due to personal reasons but set to take over when he enters the fray. The match will be officiated by Pierre Brousset of France, with broadcast coverage across ITV, S4C, Virgin Media, and BBC 5 Live Radio, while ESPN offers live updates throughout the contest.

Wales, meanwhile, welcome back Louis Rees-Zammit, who has returned to rugby with the Bristol Bears after a brief NFL adventure. Rees-Zammit’s electric pace and youthful energy have lifted spirits in the Welsh camp, but the pressure is on for him to deliver at this elevated level. With Welsh rugby facing challenges both domestically and internationally, his presence could be the spark that ignites a turnaround in fortunes.

Across the Channel, Ireland are preparing for a massive test in Paris as they take on France at the iconic Stade de France on Thursday, February 6th (9:10pm local/8:10pm Irish time). Captain Caelan Doris exudes confidence after a productive training camp in Portugal and a positive Captain’s Run session at the stadium. Doris told the media, “I’m massively excited about the game tomorrow. We had a really good week in Portugal. Prepped well. There’s good appetite, even coming out here today, there’s good excitement being in the stadium and seeing it and knowing what it’s going to be like tomorrow. I think we’ve trained well, and I think we’re in a good spot.”

Ireland’s squad features four Six Nations debutants, with Tommy O’Brien, Cian Prendergast, and Jeremy Loughman all earning their first championship starts, while Jacob Stockdale returns to the left wing for his first appearance in the tournament since 2021. Jamie Osborne is back at full-back after a three-month injury layoff. The front row is a new-look trio of Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, and Dan Sheehan, with Michael Milne providing cover from the bench. Several regulars, including Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, and Jack Boyle, are sidelined through injury.

France, too, have rung the changes, omitting stars like Damien Penaud, Grégory Aldritt, and Gaël Fickou, while Romain Ntamack and Thibaud Flament are unavailable. The return of Antoine Dupont from an ACL injury is a major boost, and the French side features several players who have impressed at the Under-20 level. Both teams are eager to make a statement, with Ireland also competing for the newly unveiled Solidarity Trophy.

Doris emphasized the importance of discipline, referencing last year’s costly yellow cards and November’s struggles with penalties. “It’s one of the key points that we’ve talked about since coming into camp, especially off the back of November where it wasn’t good enough,” the captain explained. “I would have had chats with the coaches post-November around me as captain needing to lead it better. I gave away too many penalties in November. So, it starts with me, it starts with the more senior players, but yeah, across the board it’s very important, especially with the way the game’s going.”

With the Six Nations now underway, the stage is set for a tournament packed with drama, emerging stars, and unforgettable moments. Fans can expect the unexpected as new talent seizes the spotlight and established names fight to maintain their legacy. As the first round unfolds, all eyes will be on Rome, Twickenham, and Paris—where the action is only just beginning.