Published 11 May 2026 ยท Nine months out from kick-off, the 2027 Six Nations looks wide open. England, Ireland and France are jostling for favouritism, while Scotland and Wales could yet shake things up. Here's our full form guide to the six nations.
The 2027 Six Nations has a particular flavour: it comes just six months before the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. For head coaches, it is the second-to-last competitive test in which to assemble the squad bound for Australia. That may push some teams to experiment (young caps, new combinations) rather than chase the title at all costs.
From an English perspective, the fixtures look encouraging: Italy at Twickenham in Round 1, Le Crunch against France at home in Round 2, and a Super Saturday trip to Dublin to face Ireland โ potentially a title decider.
Steve Borthwick's England have alternated flashes of brilliance with grittier performances since 2023. Their physical power remains a major asset (the set-piece at Twickenham is a nightmare for visitors), and the attacking game has been sharpening in the last 18 months.
The 2027 advantage: a generous home schedule (Italy, Scotland and France at Twickenham) that could yield a big points haul. Marcus Smith or George Ford at fly-half, Maro Itoje as captain in the second row, and Ben Earl at number 8 are the spine to watch. If the back row clicks and the lineout holds, an England title is firmly on the cards.
Winners in 2018, 2023 and 2024, Ireland have been the most consistent side in the Championship over the last five years. Their strength: a collective with rare cohesion, certainty at fly-half with Jack Crowley, and an exceptionally mobile back row.
Ireland play three home matches in 2027 (England in Round 1, Wales, France on Super Saturday) plus a manageable trip to Rome and a tough one to Murrayfield. The closing weekend against France in Dublin could decide the trophy.
Post-2023 World Cup, France still rest on solid foundations: a golden generation built around Antoine Dupont at scrum-half (and captain), Romain Ntamack at fly-half, and a flagship back row featuring Grรฉgory Alldritt and Charles Ollivon. France took the Grand Slam in 2022 and remain one of the most complete sides in the tournament.
Strengths: a dynamic back line, a powerful set-piece and Ntamack's pinpoint kicking game. Potential weaknesses: handling key moments away from home, and bench depth if injuries pile up.
Scotland have one of the most creative back lines in the world thanks to Finn Russell, and an exceptional finisher in Duhan van der Merwe on the wing. The historic Scotland problem: consistency. Capable of the very best (wins over England, France at Murrayfield), and capable of slipping up against mid-table opposition.
If Scotland play to their ceiling, a third place is on. If they're inconsistent, fifth is just as plausible.
Wales are in a tough transition phase since Warren Gatland's departure. Some promising young talent is emerging (notably at hooker and in the back row), but the side still lacks experience in key positions. With Dan Biggar retired, the fly-half jersey has yet to be nailed down.
Cautious prediction: somewhere between fourth and sixth, with an open battle against Italy to avoid the wooden spoon.
Italy are no longer the "weak link" they were for years. Under head coach Gonzalo Quesada, the Azzurri turned a corner in 2024 (a historic win over Scotland in Rome, a draw in France) and have stayed on an upward curve.
Players to watch: Paolo Garbisi at fly-half, Tommaso Allan at full-back, Ange Capuozzo on the wing (an explosive talent forged at Toulouse). Italy play three home matches, which could be enough to lock in a realistic fifth place.
Based on fixtures, recent form and squad depth, here's our predicted final standings for 2027 (to be taken with the usual pinch of salt nine months out):
Sign up free to receive an email at every Six Nations 2027 on-sale and a reminder before each round of the Championship.