Six Nations predictions: Odds for winners, Grand Slam and Triple Crown with France favourites

By Joseph Terry

France enter the 2026 Six Nations as the bookies’ favourites to retain the crown – however they are not fancied to claim the Grand Slam. 

The French lead England as the top two picks for the 2026 title as England begin arguably the greatest rugby tournament as top picks to win the Triple Crown. 

Here, Rugby Paper writer Joseph Terry gives his predictions and picks for the titles as France remain the odds-on choice despite uncertainty surrounding Les Bleus. 

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2026 Six Nations outright contenders

Defending champions France are top picks to win an eighth Six Nations crown at 8/11 with bookmakers Betway, despite shock uncertainty around the metronomic French squad without key names. 

Head coach Fabien Galthié omitted all-time top tryscorer Damian Penaud after a sluggish start to his season at Bordeaux. 

Front row giant Uini Atonio was then forced to retire aged 35 after suffering a heart attack and being admitted into intensive care. 

The algorithmically-stylish Les Bleus have experienced the biggest jolt to best-laid plans. 

England at 9/4 are, however, a live contender following a supreme 11-match unbeaten run.

Steve Borthwick‘s troops defeated New Zealand in the Autumn series, but there is one huge risk heading into the tournament. 

A long injury list has built in the front row with Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Will Stuart ruled out with shoulder and Achilles injuries respectively. 

The Scots and Welsh boast strong forward packs at the bottom end of the table, as do their title rivals France and Ireland. 

Ireland are the third contender for the title at longer odds of 9/2, the Irish rocked by Bundee Aki’s four-match ban for verbally abusing an official. 

The 68-cap centre was banned for at least the first three fixtures of the Six Nations by the IRFU, with two more matches suspended. 

Title hopes could be dashed after the curtain-raising match when they travel to Paris for the first Thursday evening Six Nations tie, with France heavy favourites to defeat the visitors at short 2/11 odds. 

Prediction: England to win 2026 Six Nations at 9/4 (Betway)

To win the Grand Slam

Just two Grand Slams have been claimed in the last five editions of the Six Nations and bookmakers think that’s the most likely outcome for the third year running at 11/8. 

For the champions to not claim an undefeated title, a razor-thin battle for bonus points would be set to award the title – repeating last year’s conclusion. 

France’s chances of a fifth Slam at 6/4 are boosted by home comfort for the toughest fixtures against Ireland and England at either end of the campaign. 

England’s odds settle behind the French at 4/1 as the English will look to bring their unbeaten streak to 16 by the end of the tournament. 

Ireland’s outside chances at 14/1 reflect the stiff challenge ahead of the 2024 champions opening the tournament against the reigning premiers. 

Prediction: England at 4/1 clinching the title at the end of Super Saturday (Betway)

To win the Triple Crown

Betway think England are comfortable favourites to defeat the rest of the home nations at 9/10, hosting Wales and Ireland at Twickenham. 

The key fixture for aspirations of a sixth crown is a trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland in Edinburgh, requiring a rare victory over the Scots away. 

Perhaps with one eye on that Calcutta Cup clash, no winner is forecast at 5/2, which would be the second in the last three editions. 

Ireland at 7/2 are just longer than no winner odds with all other Triple Crown matchups at home bar the crucial England tie in London. 

Scotland’s 14/1 odds are improbable, as are Wales at 125/1 picks. 

Prediction: England at 9/10 having earned a historic win in Edinburgh (Betway)

READ MORE: Steve Borthwick names his England team for Six Nations opener against Wales