France capped off the 2025 Men’s Six Nations with resounding success, securing their seventh title and tying England for the most championships ever recorded. The dramatic Super Saturday saw France defeat Scotland 35-16, ensuring their triumph after a tournament filled with record-breaking performances and fierce competition among the six nations.
Under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus showcased dominance, particularly highlighted by their explosive offense which netted 30 tries throughout the contest, the highest ever by any team in the tournament's history. With each game, the French squad demonstrated tactical prowess and physical superiority, leaving little room for doubt about their skills on the field.
France’s final match clinched their victory and allowed them to celebrate not only the title but also the remarkable feats of players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who etched his name in rugby lore by becoming the first player to score eight tries within one tournament. Bielle-Biarrey also became only the third player to score across all matches during the Six Nations era, showcasing his notable impact. Teammate Thomas Ramos also shone brightly, becoming France’s all-time top points scorer during this championship, celebrating with 71 points total.
To put the icing on the cake, this tournament marked France's historical double win, as their under-20 team also emerged victorious, solidifying the country’s rugby supremacy at both levels. “Lifting a title, leaving your mark on history, seeing family members smiling in the crowds, making them proud are unforgettable moments. That's what you play for,” expressed No. 8 Gregory Alldritt following their victory.
While France basked in their success, the competition for the other nations was fierce and fraught with challenges. Ireland finished the tournament with four wins and one loss, placing them third overall. While such results may seem respectable at first glance, they masked underlying concerns about the team’s performance regression as the tournament progressed.
Initial glimpses of brilliance seen during Ireland’s opening match against England fizzled as the tournament dragged on. Coach Simon Easterby faced scrutiny over team tactics and performance, particularly after Ireland's inability to secure convincing wins against lower-ranked opposition such as Italy. There were murmurs of how the absence of head coach Andy Farrell might have affected the team’s dynamic. Nevertheless, it became clear to analysts and supporters alike, as Ireland faced off against France and struggled to maintain momentum, this was not merely about the coaching staff but also about the age and experience of the squad.
Players like James Lowe, at 32, Jamison Gibson-Park, at 33, and Bundee Aki, at 34, remain pivotal to Ireland’s success, yet the question now looms about the injections of youth needed to prepare for the upcoming World Cups. With the upcoming July tour to Georgia and Portugal on the horizon, the Irish squad aims to fill the gaps left by departing veterans.
On Super Saturday, Ireland edged Italy 22-17, with Dan Sheehan marking the occasion by scoring his hat trick, but the game’s narrow outcome intensified discussions surrounding the team’s future. It was evident the Irish defense was not only holding strong but also exhibiting vulnerabilities, especially when contrasted with the dynamism of the elite teams.
Meanwhile, England’s strong finish to the tournament, including their historic 68-14 victory over Wales, saw them finish second overall. Coach Steve Borthwick’s squad displayed grit, recovering from past defeats to secure wins, often underpinned by remarkable performances. The 68-point win against Wales was particularly significant, marking the largest margin against their rivals and highlighting the urgent need for Wales to address their internal issues.
Wales’ situation became dire as they wrapped up the Six Nations with yet another wooden spoon, marking 17 consecutive defeats—a record losing streak for any men’s Tier 1 team. Under interim coach Matt Sherratt, Wales struggled to establish momentum, managing only one victory against Italy. The growing concerns about their future were evident as the squad now collectively seeks stability and revitalization.
Scotland rounded out the competition, finishing fourth, with flashes of brilliance tempered by inconsistencies. Despite showcasing their talent, it became apparent they lacked the necessary depth to contend consistently with higher-ranked teams. The national squad’s reliance on only two professional clubs leads to significant challenges as they strive for greater representation and success on the international stage.
With the dust settling on this year’s Six Nations, France’s victory illuminates their preparation for future competitions, particularly the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, the other countries have recognized the urgent need for assessments and strategies aimed at building stronger, more resilient teams as they look to build their foundations for competitive futures.
