The 2026 Men's Six Nations is almost upon us, and Steve Borthwick's England team are looking to build on an 11-game winning run that has transformed their fortunes and restored belief across Twickenham.
The tournament begins on February 5 as France host Ireland in what could prove a title decider before most teams have even kicked off, whilst Borthwick's England face Wales on Feb 7 after Italy take on Scotland.
Last year delivered another thrilling chapter in the tournament's storied history, with France ultimately crowned champions after a fiercely contested campaign.
Securing their 19th Six Nations title, Les Bleus further cemented their status as one of the competition's most successful nations. But England will be out for revenge after finishing second despite scoring 10 tries in a massive victory at the Principality Stadium that condemned Wales to a second successive Wooden Spoon.
The format remains unchanged. Over the course of the tournament, each team plays each other once in a round-robin format, earning four points for a win or two for a draw.
Teams can also claim a bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer, or by scoring four or more tries in a game. The team with the most points on the final day, known as Super Saturday on 14th March, will be crowned champion.
England start their campaign at Allianz Stadium against Wales before travelling to face Scotland on Saturday 14th February.
They then return to Allianz Stadium to host 2024 champions Ireland the following Saturday. There will be a rest week before the final two matches, with Italy hosting Borthwick's team on Saturday 7th March at the Stadio Olimpico.
England will then travel to Paris for the tournament's final match on Saturday 14th March, facing reigning champions France in what could be a winner-takes-all showdown.
This season feels like one of the most open in recent memory, and the odds reflect that uncertainty.
Research from Gambling.com, home of brand new UK casino sites and sportsbook odds, shows there's no runaway favourite dominating the betting markets. Multiple teams are entering with strong form and legitimate title aspirations.
The opener between France and Ireland adds fresh energy and creates an immediate narrative. Key players are returning from injury at exactly the right time.
England's resurgence under Borthwick has given the tournament a compelling storyline beyond France's expected dominance. Scotland possess the attacking weapons to trouble anyone on their day. Even Ireland, transitioning from their period of utter dominance, remains a dangerous opponent capable of beating any side.
The market is struggling to separate the contenders, which tells you everything about how this championship might unfold.
Here's how the bookies are pricing each nation's chances as we begin the countdown to the 2026 Six Nations.
France are priced like a side expected to retain their crown, and it's difficult to argue with the logic.
They've become the most complete team in the northern hemisphere, with Antoine Dupont's return to full fitness giving them their orchestrator back, whilst their collision dominance remains unmatched.
The final-day clash with England in Paris gives them home advantage when it might matter most. Squad depth is remarkable, with genuinely world-class replacements across the park.If they stay healthy, they control their own destiny under Fabien Galthie.
England’s resurgence under Steve Borthwick has been dramatic. Completing 11 wins on the bounce, they have a settled spine and a more confident attacking shape that’s pushed them into genuine contender territory.
The price reflects respect, but also reality. They still need to beat France away or hope someone else does it for them.
The Scotland match at Murrayfield could prove just as dangerous as the Paris finale given the hostile environment.
Ireland – 6/1
Ireland at 6/1 shows Andy Farrel’s group are still elite but no longer the machine that dominated 2022-24.
The opener in Paris is brutal, potentially defining their campaign before most teams have played.
Their home fixtures against Wales and Italy should ensure maximum points, whilst England at Twickenham is a genuine 50-50 encounter.
Scotland at 12/1 is quietly the most fascinating price in the tournament. They've never finished higher than third, yet their attacking cohesion makes them the championship's true wild card.
If they beat England at Murrayfield on 14th February, this price collapses. If they don't, they're playing for pride again.
The attacking weapons are genuinely world-class, but consistency remains the ceiling Scotland can't break through.
This number tells the whole story. Wales are deep into a long rebuild, short on depth, and still searching for a settled identity.
They'll scrap and defend with pride, but over five rounds they simply don't have the firepower to live with the top three nations.
Avoid the Wooden Spoon and show progress, and it's a successful tournament for the Welsh.
Italy are improving, but they're not built to compete across a full championship. The youth movement is promising, with young players like Benetton centre Tommaso Menoncello showing technical skills previous generations sometimes lacked.
Home fixtures against Scotland and England represent their best opportunities for scalps. The trip to Wales could be winnable if Welsh struggles continue. But expecting Italy to challenge for anything beyond avoiding last place would be unrealistic.
France deserve their status as favourites, but this championship feels more open than the odds suggest. England's form makes them genuine threats, Ireland remain dangerous despite the transition, and Scotland possess the attacking firepower to derail anyone's plans at Murrayfield. The opening night in Paris could set the tone for the entire tournament.
What makes 2026 compelling is the lack of certainty. Recent championships have felt inevitable by round three. This one might go to the final whistle in Paris on Super Saturday. That's exactly what the Six Nations needs.
