FRANCE RETAIN SIX NATIONS IN EMPHATIC STYLE
France retained their Six Nations Championship crown in dramatic fashion on Saturday, edging England 48–46 in one of the most thrilling finales in the tournament’s history. The match at the Stade de France delivered a breathtaking spectacle, with the title decided by the final kick of the game.
The encounter produced a remarkable 13 tries as both sides attacked relentlessly. England appeared to have snatched victory late in the contest when Tommy Freeman crossed the line to give the visitors a narrow lead with only minutes remaining. However, France was awarded a penalty in the dying moments, and full-back Thomas Ramos held his nerve to slot a long-range kick in the 83rd minute, sealing a dramatic 48–46 victory and securing the championship for Les Bleus.
France’s win ensured they finished the tournament on 21 points, two ahead of Ireland, successfully defending the title they had won the previous year. The championship triumph was France’s eighth title in the Six Nations era, continuing their strong run-in recent seasons and capping a tournament filled with attacking rugby and high-scoring matches.
One of the standout performers of the campaign was French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored four tries in the final match and finished the tournament as the top try scorer with nine. His prolific form played a key role in France’s successful defence of the title.
Earlier, Ireland produced an impressive performance to defeat Scotland 43–21 in Dublin, securing the Triple Crown for the 2026 championship. The Triple Crown is awarded to a Home Nations team that defeats England, Scotland, and Wales in the same tournament.
Ireland’s convincing victory ensured they completed another Triple Crown campaign and kept brief hopes of the title alive. However, France’s dramatic win over England later in the evening confirmed the championship would remain in French hands, with Ireland finishing runners-up.
The 2026 Six Nations therefore ended with a fittingly dramatic climax: France lifting the trophy once again, while Ireland celebrated another impressive milestone with their Triple Crown triumph.
