Image shows three rugby balls on a pitch.

Chloe Reynolds

The rugby Six Nations is something sports fans look forward to every year, but who are the key players competing this year? Keep reading to find out.

England

Jamie George has been appointed the new England captain, following Owen Farrell’s departure. Farrell recently decided to take a break from international rugby to prioritise his family’s mental well-being.

There is a first call up for Exeter Chiefs player Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who joins six other uncapped players within the squad. They include his team mate Ethan Roots, Harlequins duo Chandler Cunningham-South and Fraser Dingwall, as well as Tom Roebuck from Sale Sharks.

Fraser Dingwall and Fin Smith from Northampton Saints also make their debut, while Henry Slade returns to the squad.

The squad is made up of 36 players, including 20 forwards and 16 backs. Head coach Steve Borthwick is delighted with his team.

“I would particularly like to congratulate the new faces who have their first chance in an England squad, and very much look forward to seeing how that young talent can play an important part in ensuring that England continue to develop our game and move forward,” he said.

He added: “The Six Nations is a tremendously entertaining and hugely competitive competition. This year will be no different, and as we prepare for the challenge which awaits us”

Ireland

Andy Farrell has announced a 34-player squad, with Peter O’Mahoney taking over from Jonathan Sexton as captain. Farrell has just been named the British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2025 tour.

“The renowned coach has selected three uncapped players to join the training camp.”

The renowned coach has selected three uncapped players to join the training camp. Oli Jager joins from Munster, while Thomas Ahern and Sam Prendergast also take to the pitch.

“I am pleased with the quality of performances by the extended group over the last number of weeks and believe that the squad is in good shape,” said Farrell.

“I would like to congratulate all those who have been selected, especially those who are at the beginning of their international journeys.”

Scotland

Gregor Townsend has named a 39-player squad, with four uncapped players among the selection. Alec Hepburn, Will Hurd, Arron Reed and Harry Paterson have all earned a first-time call up.

Townsend is yet to name a captain, but has a variety of experienced players to choose from. They include Pierre Schoeman, Jamie Bhatti, Zander Fagerson and WP Nel. Ewan Ashman, Johnny Matthews and George Turner are confirmed to complete front row options.

Grant Gilchrist and Richie Gray are joined in the second row by Scott Cummings, Sam Skinner and Glen Young. Young returns to the national squad two years on from his last cap against Argentina in 2022.

Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Luke Crosbie, Josh Bayliss and Andy Christie make up the back row.

Reed and Paterson join a seven-strong group in the backs. They include wingers Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe, as well as full-back Blair Kinghorn.

Furthermore, five centres have been selected. They are Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Cameron Redpath and Rory Hutchinson. Hutchinson returns to the squad for the first time since the Argentina tour in 2022, where he appeared in two Tests.

Adam Hastings returns from injury to join Finn Russell and scrum-half trio Ben White, Ali Price and George Horne in the team.

Wales

Warren Gatland has named a 34-player squad for his Six Nations campaign.

“Five uncapped players are selected among the 19 forwards and 15 backs.”

Dafydd Jenkins will captain the squad, becoming the second youngest player to lead Wales in a match. Five uncapped players are selected among the 19 forwards and 15 backs. They include Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Even Lloyd and Cameron Winnet.

Another eight players could make their first Six Nations appearance, including Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd — who made their debuts last year.

Italy

New Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has called up 34 players for the tournament. The team includes five uncapped players, including Exeter Chiefs’ Ross Vintcent.

“Tommaso Allan, Azzurri’s most senior player, will likely help the new faces.”

Pietro Ceccarelli is the most experienced player in the side, while Tommaso Menoncello, Luca Rizzoli, Alessandro Garbisi and Vintcent are the youngest.

Tommaso Allan, Azzurri’s most senior player, will likely help the new faces. The fly-half has earned 79 caps for his country.

France

Fabien Galthié has called on eight uncapped players, as the team looks to defend their Guinness Six Nations title.

Galthie has had to contend with a number of injuries. Hooker Peato Mauvaka and centre Jonathan Danty are absent, as well as scrum-halves Maxime Lucu and Baptiste Couilloud.

Most of the new faces form part of the backline, including a pair of 19-year-olds who could be in line for their first caps.

The other uncapped players in the squad are flanker Paul Boudehent, centre Julien Delbouis and back three players Romain Buros and Ethan Dumortier.

While the injury list is extensive, Galthié is still able to call on most of the players who won France the Grand Slam last season. François Cros, Uini Atonio and Damian Penaud are all expected to be able to play by the time the Championship begins.

The Schedule

Week 1

France vs Ireland — Friday 2nd February – score 17-38

Italy vs England — Saturday 3rd February – score 24-27

Wales vs Scotland — Saturday 3rd February – score 26-27

Week 2

Scotland vs France — Saturday 10th February

England vs Wales — Saturday 10th February

Ireland vs Italy — Sunday 11th February

Week 3

Ireland vs Wales — Saturday 24th February

Scotland vs England — Saturday 24th February

France vs Italy — Sunday 25th February

Week 4

Italy vs Scotland — Saturday 9th March

England vs Ireland — Saturday 9th March

Wales vs France — Sunday 10th March

Week 5

Wales vs Italy — Saturday 16th March

Ireland vs Scotland — Saturday 16th March

France vs England — Saturday 16th March

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Featured image courtesy of Vladvictoria via Pixabay. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.

Football journalism graduate, currently studying a masters in sports journalism

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