Wales Unveils Acapella Anthem Tradition As Six Nations Drama Builds

The anticipation for the 2026 Six Nations Championship is reaching fever pitch as rugby fans across Europe prepare for another thrilling chapter in the sport’s storied tournament. With the opening whistle set to blow on Thursday, February 5, the stage is set for high drama, fresh controversies, and unforgettable moments—both on and off the pitch.

This year’s tournament promises a captivating blend of tradition and change, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announcing a significant update that’s sure to tug at the heartstrings of every supporter in Cardiff. In a move that’s already generating buzz, the WRU revealed on January 30 that Wales’ beloved anthem, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,’ will be performed acapella at all home fixtures during the 2026 Six Nations at the Principality Stadium. The decision, made after overwhelming fan feedback, builds on the spine-tingling success of the anthem’s acapella rendition ahead of last November’s Autumn International against the All Blacks—a match that marked the 120th anniversary of Wales first singing the anthem before a rugby union international.

“Simply put, it sounds so much better,” the WRU declared in their announcement, inviting fans to “bring your voice” and help create an atmosphere unlike any other in world sport. The memory of 70,000 passionate Welsh voices rising in unison, echoing through the Principality Stadium, is still fresh for many. Despite Wales falling 52-26 to New Zealand that day, the acapella anthem performance stole the show and left a lasting impression. The WRU’s move echoes the Football Association of Wales’ successful adoption of acapella anthems at Cardiff City Stadium, underlining a growing trend of letting the crowd take center stage during these emotional moments.

The first opportunity for Welsh fans to experience this new tradition will come on Sunday, February 15, when Wales hosts France in Cardiff. The Principality Stadium, with its capacity of 73,931, is sure to be awash in red and reverberating with song as the Six Nations returns to its spiritual home.

While the Welsh prepare to lift their voices, Ireland faces a different kind of challenge heading into the championship. The build-up has been overshadowed by the suspension of Bundee Aki, a pivotal figure in Ireland’s midfield and a 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee. Aki, 35, was handed a four-game ban for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials during Connacht’s recent United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Leinster. The disciplinary committee’s decision means Aki will miss Connacht’s URC clash with Zebre and, more critically, Ireland’s opening three Six Nations fixtures against France, Italy, and England.

The URC’s statement highlighted Aki’s “full regret for his actions and was grateful for the approach he took towards the proceedings,” but also cited his previous disciplinary record and lack of a plea as reasons for not reducing the ban. As a result, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell must now navigate the early rounds without one of his most experienced campaigners, who has 68 caps and three Six Nations titles—including Grand Slams in 2018 and 2023—to his name.

The Irish camp has been further rocked by injuries and withdrawals. Full-back Hugo Keenan returned home from the pre-tournament training camp in Portugal with a fractured thumb, while prop Jack Boyle and versatile forward Tom Ahern have also pulled out of the squad. In response, Ulster’s Jude Postlethwaite, along with Billy Bohan and Cormac Izuchukwu, have been called up to reinforce the ranks. With such upheaval, Ireland’s opening clash against defending champions France at the Stade de France on February 5 now looms as a formidable test of depth and resilience.

Speaking of France, the reigning champions are riding high after clinching their seventh Six Nations title in 2025, drawing level with England for the most titles since Italy joined the tournament. Under the guidance of Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus claimed last year’s crown with a bonus-point win over Scotland in the final round, edging out England and Ireland, who both finished with just one defeat but fewer bonus points. France’s victory was built on consistency and attacking flair, and they’ll be eager to defend their title on home soil, starting with that blockbuster opener against Ireland in Paris.

England, meanwhile, enters the tournament on an impressive 11-match winning streak, hungry for their first Six Nations title since 2020. They’ll kick off their campaign against Wales at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, February 7. The Allianz, boasting a massive 82,000-seat capacity, is sure to be packed as England looks to avenge last year’s narrow miss and reassert their dominance.

Elsewhere, Scotland will travel to Rome to face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on February 7, hoping to launch a genuine title bid after a string of promising but ultimately unfulfilled campaigns. Italy, always the underdogs, will be out to spring a surprise and build on last year’s spirited performances, which included a win over Wales and a losing bonus point against Ireland.

The tournament’s format remains unchanged: four points for a win, two for a draw, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer. A Grand Slam—beating all five other nations—earns a team three extra bonus points, ensuring no one can pip them at the post.

Fans eager to follow the action will find comprehensive coverage across the BBC and ITV. BBC Sport will broadcast one match per round on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, starting with Italy v Scotland. ITV, under a new four-year deal, will air all other matches, including every England game. Highlights, expert analysis, and live commentary will be available across BBC radio and digital platforms, ensuring no moment goes unnoticed. For those keen on the next generation, every match of the Under-20s Six Nations will also be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

As the 2026 Six Nations gets underway, the storylines are as compelling as ever. Will France defend their crown and pull ahead in the title race? Can England’s winning run translate into silverware? Might Ireland overcome adversity and mount a challenge without Bundee Aki? And will the Principality Stadium’s acapella anthem inspire Wales to new heights?

One thing’s for sure: when the crowd’s roar meets the clash of titans on the pitch, the Six Nations will once again deliver the passion, drama, and unpredictability that make it the jewel of European rugby.