France has emerged as the Six Nations champions for 2025 following their pivotal victory against Scotland at the Stade de France, but the tournament has been filled with dramatic storylines and remarkable individual performances. This year's championship showcased the ups and downs of international rugby and captivated fans with unexpected results and challenges for traditional powerhouses.
Among the standout players of the tournament were Scotland's Blair Kinghorn and England's Tommy Freeman, both nominated for the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Championship award. Kinghorn, who led the tournament with 86 carries and nine line-breaks, has made his mark as one of the most dynamic players. Meanwhile, Freeman made history as the first Englishman to score tries in each match of the Six Nations campaign. Their impressive performances have also made them contenders for selection to the British and Irish Lions, who are set to tour Australia this summer.
Joining Kinghorn and Freeman on the shortlist are France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Italy's Tommaso Menoncello. Bielle-Biarrey's performance was particularly noteworthy as he scored eight tries, achieving the highest tally for the Six Nations since 1925, along with four assists, playing a key role in France's title victory. Menoncello, awarded last year's Player of the Championship, showcased his multifaceted skills, making three turnovers—the most of any back—and scoring two tries, cementing his place as one of Italy's rising stars.
The 2025 Six Nations closed with several fixtures, including Ireland’s narrow win over Italy driven by Dan Sheehan's hat trick and England's stunning 68-14 triumph against Wales, which marked Wales' 17th straight Test defeat. Despite strong performances from some players, the Welsh side struggled throughout the tournament, prompting questions about their future as they prepare for their upcoming match against Japan this summer.
Coach Matt Sherratt has acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted by this lengthy losing streak, but he and his team remain hopeful of embarking on a path to recovery. Even young players like Jac Morgan have displayed individual talent amid team struggles.
Conversely, France's success brings with it high expectations, particularly after their disappointing World Cup performance last year. The team appears ready to compete with rugby’s elite, showcasing depth and resilience, particularly from players like Maro Itoje, who is considered a leading candidate for the Lions captaincy. Itoje's leadership style has impressed many, and his contributions during the Six Nations have solidified his reputation as one of the premier locks in the game.
The final round saw some surprises, including the fact Scotland was still within contention for the title until their last match. Coach Gregor Townsend noted the potential for improvement, but acknowledged depth remains the team's Achilles' heel. With key players like Finn Russell facing fitness concerns for the Lions selection, the competition for places is set to heighten.
Ireland, which entered the tournament as favorites, finished with four wins from five games—but their sole defeat against France proved pivotal. Coach Simon Easterby reflected on their performance as representing both progress and missed opportunities. With notable retirements among players such as Cian Healy and Conor Murray, Ireland might be at the start of once again rebuilding their side.
The results of the tournament have prompted debates about team evaluations, with insights from analysts noting the need for improvements across various squads. England's campaign was rated positively with their four victories paving the way for optimism under Coach Steve Borthwick. The young talent showcased will likely bolster their strategy leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Overall, the Six Nations has ushered insights and excitement for the coming summer tour. Amid individual accolades and team triumphs, this year’s edition will be remembered for its high-pressure matches and the unpredictable nature of international rugby.
