Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in their Six Nations opener in Rome on Saturday, leading throughout the match despite poor wet conditions. The result increases pressure on Scotland coach Gregor Townsend following a series of poor results.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in their Six Nations opener in Rome on Saturday, leading throughout the match despite poor wet conditions. The result increases pressure on Scotland coach Gregor Townsend following a series of poor results.
8 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Reigning champions France dominated Ireland 36-14 in Six Nations rugby on Thursday, with wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey scoring twice and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont returning to the national team after an 11-month injury absence. France scored five tries and controlled the match, though Ireland mounted a second-half comeback before France sealed the victory.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has left out top try-scorers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, plus fullback Blair Kinghorn, for Saturday's Six Nations opener in Rome, instead selecting Tom Jordan at full-back and Glasgow wings Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie. Townsend said the three dropped players "have had some terrific games" but the new back three "deserve their starts given how well they've been playing."
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →
France captain Antoine Dupont expressed confidence that fly-half Matthieu Jalibert is ready to perform in the reigning champions' Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday, with Dupont returning to face-off after tearing his cruciate ligament against the same opposition last year.
5 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Irish rugby captain Caelan Doris said the team still has "a lot of belief" in themselves ahead of the Six Nations, despite finishing third last year and suffering losses to France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Ireland will begin their campaign against France on February 5, with several key players sidelined through injury.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Gregor Townsend said Scotland can compete with anyone in the Six Nations this year, citing positive performances in key matches against New Zealand, France and England despite losses, and noting momentum from Glasgow Warriors' strong recent form. He acknowledged the team needs to maintain performance across all five matches, having struggled in one game during last year's tournament.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Jamie George says England must set new standards and intensity if they are to win their first Six Nations title in six years, despite an 11-game winning run. George, speaking at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, warned that the team cannot rely on recent performances as they face France in what could be a title decider on March 14.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →