The 2026 Six Nations Championship has been nothing short of electrifying, with France continuing to dominate, Italy emerging as a genuine contender, and England experiencing a dramatic fall from grace. But here's where it gets controversial: while France remains unbeaten, a loss to Scotland at Murrayfield could shake up the standings, proving that no team is truly untouchable. With two rounds left, the tournament has showcased a mix of established stars and breakthrough talents, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Scotland and Ireland have saved their best performances for Steve Borthwick’s struggling England side, while Wales continues to falter. Yet, amidst the chaos, Fabien Galthié’s France stands as the only unbeaten team—though their position is far from secure. This tournament has been a feast for rugby enthusiasts, blending thrilling matches with individual brilliance. Here, we spotlight 10 players who have stood out in the first three rounds, deserving of every accolade.
Matthieu Jalibert (France)
France’s electric performances owe much to their Bordeaux maestro, Matthieu Jalibert. While Antoine Dupont is a legend in his own right, Jalibert’s playmaking has been nothing short of sensational. And this is the part most people miss: despite past controversies, like his decision to return to his club rather than warm the bench against New Zealand in 2024, Jalibert has silenced doubters with his stellar form. His partnership with Dupont has propelled France to an average of over 40 points and six tries per game. Even missing round three due to illness, Jalibert leads in try involvements (6) and offloads, proving he’s a joy to watch.
Finn Russell (Scotland)
The British and Irish Lions tour often takes a toll on players, but Finn Russell has defied the odds. After a stellar Lions campaign, he’s been Scotland’s linchpin, dismantling England with pinpoint precision and masterminding a comeback against Wales. His upcoming duel with Jalibert in Edinburgh promises fireworks—a clash of two rugby geniuses.
Stuart McCloskey (Ireland)
Stuart McCloskey was the wildcard no one saw coming. After Ireland’s lackluster start in France, McCloskey emerged as a force, delivering a standout performance against Italy and starring in Ireland’s record win at Twickenham. His forceful carries and defensive prowess have made him a key figure in Andy Farrell’s squad, proving that sometimes the overlooked can become indispensable.
Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
Italy’s rise has been fueled by Menoncello, one half of the tournament’s best midfield duo. Even without his partner Juan Ignacio Brex, Menoncello has been dynamite, showcasing his ability on both attack and defense. His try against Scotland in round one was a highlight, and his stats—line breaks, metres per carry, and dominant carries—speak volumes. With Brex’s return, Italy’s midfield could be England’s worst nightmare.
Ben Earl (England)
England’s campaign has been a disaster, but Ben Earl has been a rare bright spot. His 59 carries and 114 metres in contact are unmatched, and his versatility—playing in multiple positions—has been invaluable. As he prepares for his 50th cap against Italy, Earl remains England’s focal point in a season of turmoil.
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
At 34, Jamison Gibson-Park’s performance against England at Twickenham was nothing short of remarkable. Dropped to the bench the week prior, he returned with a virtuoso display, scoring a try and setting up another in a game Ireland dominated. His speed of thought and execution make him a key player as Ireland chases another Triple Crown.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey is rewriting Six Nations history. With eight tries last season and a record-breaking eight consecutive matches with a try, he’s untouchable. His partnership with Jalibert has been lethal, and his rise from an unknown 20-year-old to a global superstar is nothing short of extraordinary. By the next World Cup, his name will be legendary.
Lorenzo Cannone (Italy)
Italy’s forward pack has been formidable, and Lorenzo Cannone has led the charge. With 52 tackles and 10 dominant hits in three rounds, he’s been a defensive powerhouse. His performance against Ireland, with 18 tackles in 66 minutes, was a masterclass. Alongside his brother Niccolò, Cannone is part of a pack that could challenge for the top spots.
Mickael Guillard (France)
Mickael Guillard has been a breakout star for France, outshining even the great Charles Ollivon. His performance against Ireland, where he won two turnovers and made 16 carries in just 50 minutes, earned him player of the match. At 6’5″ and 19 stone, Guillard is a force to be reckoned with.
Eddie James (Wales)
Wales may be struggling, but Eddie James is a beacon of hope. The 23-year-old Scarlets centre has impressed rugby greats like Martin Johnson and Sam Warburton with his hard running and growing confidence. While Wales invests in the future, James is a key figure who could shape their midfield for years to come.
Thought-Provoking Question: With France dominating and Italy rising, is this the year the Six Nations power dynamics shift permanently? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think France’s dominance is sustainable, or will Italy’s midfield and forward pack rewrite the script?
