France secured the Six Nations title on March 15, 2025, triumphing over Scotland with a score of 35-16 at the Stade de France, concluding a remarkable championship under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthié. This victory not only marks France's second championship since Galthié took over the reins but also highlights their dominant performance throughout the tournament, with France and England both making history by each scoring over 200 points as teams.
While the final day of the tournament did not produce any changes in standings, it was filled with significant performances and record-breaking achievements. England secured second place, finishing just one point behind France, after decimatively defeating Wales 68-14, marking the worst defeat for the Welsh team, which has now endured 17 straight losses. This latest loss ensured Wales would finish last, receiving the dreaded wooden spoon for the second consecutive year.
For Scotland, the final match against France proved to be challenging, with Blair Kinghorn and Huw Jones making notable contributions. Kinghorn topped tournament statistics with the most carries, metres gained, and carries made, establishing himself as one of the top players by leading on the field consistently. Similarly, Jones scored four tries over the course of the tournament, aiding his team significantly.
France's victory was powered by the impressive performance of players like Yoram Moefana, who scored two tries during the title-clinching game against Scotland, contributing to the team's overall momentum. Louis Bielle-Biarrey delivered historic statistics, breaking the Six Nations record with eight tries throughout the competition and scoring across all five of France's matches.
Another remarkable aspect of the tournament was Dan Sheehan, who, donning the Irish jersey, scored five tries including a hat-trick against Italy, demonstrating his prowess on the field and solidifying his spot as one of the standout players. Meanwhile, England's Will Stuart also shone brightly, marking his 50th cap with a try against Wales, and potentially securing his place for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.
Despite France's success, the tournament was also marred by incidents leading to disciplinary actions. Notably, hooker Peato Mauvaka received only a yellow card for what was described as a deliberate headbutt against Scotland’s Ben White during the scrappy match, prompting confusion and concern among observers and commentary from both coach Galthié and Scotland's coach Gregor Townsend, who questioned the absence of harsher penalties.
Reflecting on the tournament, Galthié expressed cautious optimism about his team's performance stating, “We feel like we're causing problems. We got a taste of something during this competition.” This sentiment reflects the confidence brewing within the French team as they look forward to future challenges.
Notable mentions from this year’s performance include England's Tom Curry, who dominated defensively, showcasing remarkable skill by being the top tackler with five steals at the breakdown and consistently demonstrating his physicality and tactical awareness on the field. Thibaud Flament was also recognized for his contributions, particularly after missing initial matches due to injury but proving to be pivotal for France as they advanced through the tournament.
The next major event on the rugby calendar is the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, where selections will be made based on performances from the Six Nations. Early predictions suggest potential selections to be heavily influenced by players like Genge, Itoje, Freeman, and Sheehan, signifying the strong showing of the home nations across the tournament.
The Lions selection announcement is set for May 8, 2025, and fans eagerly await the list of players who will represent the UK and Ireland on this prestigious tour, marking another exciting chapter for rugby.
While France celebrates their triumph with the Six Nations title, questions arise about their ability to build on this success moving forward. The coach remained grounded, emphasizing the need for humility amid accolades, underscoring how quickly fortunes can change within the sport.
Other teams and their supporters will undoubtedly be watching intently as France embarks on this next stage, challenged to maintain their form and adapt against rival nations hungry to reclaim their status. Nevertheless, the 2025 Six Nations has solidified France as champions, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of rugby.
