France were crowned 2026 Six Nations champions in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, with Thomas Ramos slotting a penalty after the final hooter to seal a staggering 48-46 win over England in Paris.
For a few breathless moments, Ireland looked set to lift the title after beating Scotland 43-21 in Dublin earlier in the day. But Ramos held his nerve with the championship on the line, breaking Irish hearts and confirming France as back-to-back champions.
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It was a fittingly chaotic finish to a tournament that refused to settle. France’s title-clinching win over England was one of the matches of the championship, featuring 13 tries and repeated momentum swings. Louis Bielle-Biarrey was the star again, scoring four tries to continue a remarkable campaign. The 22-year-old finished the tournament with nine tries, breaking his own Six Nations record from last year, and extended his run of scoring in the competition to 10 straight matches.
England played their part in a classic, fighting back repeatedly and even leading 46-45 with time up on the clock. But France found one last moment, one last penalty, and one last kick to keep the title in Paris.
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Earlier in Dublin, Ireland did all they could. Their 43-21 win over Scotland secured the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years and ended Scotland’s own title hopes. Tommy O’Brien grabbed a brace in a six-try display, while Jack Crowley impressed with both his game management and goal-kicking. Ireland were sharp, physical and clinical when it mattered, and for much of the evening that seemed like it might be enough for championship glory.
Instead, they had to settle for the consolation of another Triple Crown and the frustration of finishing just short of the title.
Scotland, meanwhile, were unable to back up their thrilling win over France from the previous round. They had moments in Dublin and stayed in touch for long stretches, but Ireland’s control, defensive work and bench impact ultimately proved too much.
In Cardiff, Wales finally had something to celebrate. A 31-17 victory over Italy ended a miserable 15-match losing streak in the Six Nations and delivered their first championship win since March 2023. Dewi Lake said the result “means everything”, and it was easy to see why.
Wales were dominant in the first half, racing into a 21-0 lead through Aaron Wainwright’s double and a try from Lake. Dan Edwards added another after the break and also landed a superb long-range drop-goal as Wales surged into a 31-0 lead. Italy did respond with three late tries, but the damage had long been done.
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For Wales, it was a reminder that there is still fight in this group despite all the off-field uncertainty surrounding the domestic game. For Italy, it was a disappointing end after last week’s historic win over England, with Gonzalo Quesada’s side unable to build on that breakthrough.
So the final picture is clear: France are champions, Ireland have the Triple Crown, Wales have their long-awaited win, and England are left wondering how they lost a title-decider they led after 80 minutes.
It was a final day worthy of the championship. Chaos, quality, heartbreak and history — the 2026 Six Nations had it all.
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