France need to pick up a bonus point win in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations away from a Six Nations title. The Lions tour in 2025 has had an impact on Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales were all impacted by the Lions tour of Australia last summer. For many players, this tour is the pinnacle of a two-year cycle, along with the World Cup being the peak of another. This means in the years after Lions tours, players are not only dealing with the added load of an intense summer tour the year before, but also with the mental respite that is required to switch off after trying to hit a two-year peak.
France’s record after a Lions tour
| Lions Tour | Six Nations winner the following year | France Six Nations position after the Lions |
| 2025 Australia | ? | ? |
| 2021 South Africa | France | 1st (Grand Slam) |
| 2017 New Zealand | Ireland | 4th |
| 2013 Australia | Ireland | 4th |
| 2009 South Africa | France | 1st (Grand Slam) |
| 2005 New Zealand | France | 1st |
| 2001 Australia | France | 1st (Grand Slam) |
| 1997 South Africa | France | 1st (Grand Slam) |
Since the professional era, France have won the Six Nations (Five Nations in 1998) on five of the seven occasions. They have also won the Grand Slam on four occasions.
What happened in the two off years?
In 2014 and 2018, France struggled and finished fourth both times. In 2014, they finished fourth despite having three wins. They lost to Ireland by two points on the final day, which could have seen them go near the top of the table on the occasion.
In 2018, the tournament started with the infamous Sexton drop goal in the final play. They lost by six points to Scotland in round two and then lost by a point in the final round to Wales. Very little between France and success.
These two Lions tours were headed up by Warren Gatland and had a particular focus on Wales players within the squads. This allowed teams like Ireland to build up deep squads while some of their players were away, but not a complete overhaul like the Welsh had in these years.
Why have France benefited on this occasion?
Ireland had hopes of competing with France on the opening day of the Six Nations this year, but didn’t look up to speed. The initial Lions squad contained 15 Irish players and grew to involve 18 Irish players in the tour. Andy Farrell was away from the Ireland squad throughout last year’s Six Nations, and three of Ireland’s coaches were involved in the Lions set-up. This took a huge physical, mental and emotional toll on players and staff. The effects were evident in the autumn, and with the slow start to the Six Nations. France were able to send a lower-level squad to New Zealand in the summer, bolstering their talent pool and resting some key stars.
