A fantastic opening weekend to this year’s RBS Six Nations saw a number of heavyweight clashes across the UK as defending champions Ireland hosting oversea rivals Wales, Scotland contested the Calcutta Cup with an Eddie Jones lead England and the competition’s two European nations clashed in Paris.
And if you were one of the unfortunate minority to miss the start of the Six Nations this weekend, be it to work or other activities, then catch up below on all the news, match reports and post-match reaction to the 2016 Six Nations:
1) Italy almost shock France in the opening game
With a new head coach installed in the French team and Jacques Brunel calling up an inexperienced squad intrigued eyes were set upon Paris and few knew what to expect from the clash.
And the game certainly did not disappoint as Italy pushed their hosts right to the end and almost pulled off one of the biggest shocks in their history.
2) England step up to impress new coach Eddie Jones
Following an embarrassing Rugby World Cup campaign, England looked to turn over a new leaf under former Japan head coach Eddie Jones and had to begin their campaign against historic rivals Scotland as both sides contested for the Calcutta Cup.
And after losing Chris Ashton to suspension whilst many criticised Jones’ decision to make Dylan Hartley captain a number of inspiring performances looked to show that English rugby is on the cusp of something great.
3) Ireland look to make history with three straight Six Nations wins
Lead by newly appointed captain Rory Best Ireland were given a tough start to their title defence as they faced a Welsh side looking for another post-Rugby World Cup Grand Slam.
And despite suffering a number of injuries during the Rugby World Cup, Welsh star Dan Biggar was prepared to help his country to continue that feat, however, the injury curse currently cast on Gatland’s side struck again as Biggar was removed after 20 minutes.
Read the full match report here, whilst check out the five things we learned from the Six Nations’ final weekend fixture.
4) See what each head coach had to say
And finally, if you want to see what each head coach had to say about their side’s performances whilst Gatland also gives an injury update on both Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe, read the collection here.