The 2026 Six Nations have come to an end in the most dramatic way possible. Coming into the final games, three sides could lift the trophy. After a win in Dublin over Scotland, Ireland were relying on an England win in Paris to lift the title,
England, who have had one of their worst tournaments ever, pulled out a massive performance and were leading in the final moments. France kicked a winning penalty as the final play of the tournament to win the title.
1- Rhys Carre
Carre was a key part of Wales’ improvement throughout the tournament that led to a win in the final game. Carre produced one of the most memorable tries in Six Nations history as he scored from 30 yards, stepping inside and powering past Robert Baloucoune.
2- Dewi Lake
Lake deserve massive credit for his playing ability but also for his leadership. Wales had been without a Six Nations win since 2023, and after two games, they looked in deep trouble. Lake helped lead the Wales team through this rough patch, and he led from the front as they fell narrowly short to Scotland and led from the front defensively as they battered Ireland with their tackles. He then got a score early in the game as he led Wales to victory over Italy.
3- Simone Ferrari
Ferrari picked up an injury and missed the last game, but was incredible in the opening four games. He put all of his opposition props under immense pressure and helped Italy in famous wins over Scotland and Italy.
4- Charles Ollivon
Ollivon played in the second row and back row for France throughout the Six Nations and was vital to how the French dominated in the early rounds.
5- Tadhg Beirne
Beirne was consistently brilliant for Ireland, as he has been for many years. He was a brilliant carrier, in defence and getting his blue scrum cap down over the ball to steal in the ruck. His versatility in the second row and back row makes him perfect for any teams and Ireland profited from his skill in the lineout.
6- Rory Darge
Darge was one of four players in the tournament who hit more than 100 attacking rucks while also hitting more defensive rucks than any other player in the competition. The most impressive thing was his discipline as he didn’t concede a single penalty in the tournament. Along with his other back row colleagues, they helped Scotland dominate in games against England and France with fast ball, allowing the Scotland backline to do what they do best. He also won six turnovers, more than any other player in the tournament.
7- Manuel Zuliani
Zuliani was a huge part of Italy’s success in their wins over Scotland and England. He was one of only three players in the tournament to make five or more turnovers this year. Of his 57 tackles (sixth most in the competition), six were dominant (eighth most in the competition). He also had a 96.6% tackle success rate, which was the highest of any player who made more than 50 tackles.
8- Ben Earl
Earl was a carry machine for England. He made 79 carries in the Championship, getting over the gainline 64.6% of the time. He also made 145 metres in contact, more than any other player in the tournament. The next best only reached 106. He was typically the one shining light for England, even in the losses, as he consistently found the gainline with his carries.
9- Jamison Gibson-Park
Gibson-Park could easily be replaced by Antoine Dupont, and it feels harsh not to be the winning captain of the tournament. Both 9s had a poor game. Gibson-Park found it difficult to take control of the game against France, while Dupont had a particularly poor game against France. JGP makes the team as when he was at his best against England, Wales and Scotland, he ran play for Ireland. His performance against England was particularly outstanding.
10- Matthieu Jalibert
Jalibert came onto the tournament having the difficult task of replacing Romain Ntamack. He stepped up to the challenge brilliantly. He had the most line break assists in the tournament with 12, as he was able to put his incredible backline through the holes that opened up in front of him. This also came, despite Jalibert missing the game against Italy due to injury, where he would have been able to up this total even further.
11- Louis Bielle-Biarrey
Bielle-Biarrey is in a world of his own. He scored in each match of the Championship and broke his own record for the most tries scored by a player in a Six Nations Championship with nine. The winger, unsurprisingly, was top of the Championship for line-breaks and fourth for defenders beaten.
12- Stuart McCloskey
McCloskey has probably been Ireland’s best player in the tournament. He has provided 6 try assists in the five games; the game against England was the only match he didn’t get a try assist. Few moments are more memorable this year than his chase back in the closing moments of that England win, where he stopped a certain try for Marcus Smith.
13- Tomasso Menoncello
Menoncello is an incredible ball carrier, and in 89.3% of his carries, he drew in two or more defensive players. The Italian centre was the only player with more than 20 carries to have a more than a 50% dominant carry rate. His most notable game was in the famous win for Italy over England. Menoncello scored the first try and assisted the crucial winning try in Italy’s first-ever win over the English.
14- Kyle Steyn
Steyn beat 21 defenders throughout the tournament; the next best was Ramos, who beat 15. Steyn was particularly important in the wins over England and France. Against France, he was the player of the match, scoring twice. He made a total of 110 metres in the game, making three line breaks.
15- Thomas Ramos
We could talk so much about his play. His assisting ability, scoring tries and pinning opposition back with his boot. His championship-winning kick with the clock in the red is enough to seal his place in this team. Proves himself as one of the best goal kickers in the world.
