Brendan Gallagher

Brendan Gallagher: The rise of Italy lifted the whole Six Nations

You can make a decent case for 2026 being the best Six Nations ever – whatever ‘best’ means – but it absolutely wasn’t because it amassed a record 111 tries in the 15 games.

by
Brendan Gallagher
22 March 2026

Leonardo Marin on his way to scoring for Italy against England

You can make a decent case for 2026 being the best Six Nations ever – whatever ‘best’ means – but it absolutely wasn’t because it amassed a record 111 tries in the 15 games.

This year’s tournament was a cracker, no question. For starters, and trying not to state the bleeding obvious, the rise and new-found consistency of Italy now gives us five extra games per season where there is genuine jeopardy, expectation and excitement.
That’s huge and transformative and contributed to a glorious uncertainty, and in that respect, 2026 certainly tops the all-time charts.
Scotland beat France, who beat...

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Related TopicsChampionship England France Ireland Italy London Irish New Zealand Premium Scotland Six Nations Wales

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