Author: Harry Howes

After weeks of build-up, the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations finally got underway at the weekend. France kicked things off in style with a triumphant win over Wales, while Ireland came from behind to beat England and avenge last year’s Grand Slam-ending defeat.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations Table

France run riot as Wales woes continue

France 43-0 Wales

It was a familiar story for Wales as they were forced to merely take part in Friday night’s opening Guinness Men’s Six Nations match. France have established themselves as one of the most-feared nations in world rugby in recent years and they showed exactly why in Paris.

The hosts were on fire as they raced into a stunning 28-0 half-time lead, inspired by the returning Antoine Dupont. The France talisman missed the competition last year in order to focus on representing his nation in the rugby sevens at the Olympic Games.

And after claiming a gold medal, he put on a gold star performance, providing three assists in the 49 minutes he was on the pitch. While he wasn’t among France’s points scorers, he was central to almost all of their attacking play and he beautifully set up both of Theo Attissogbé’s first-half tries.

Attissogbé’s opposite wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey also scored a double and the pair will undoubtedly be feared by any defence they come up against in the coming weeks. While France partied, Wales will be wondering when things might turn around for them.

Not even a red card for France’s Romain Ntamack gave them any hope of scoring. 2024 saw Wales become the first international side since 1937 to lose every match in a calendar year.

Their dismal form saw them claim the wooden spoon after finishing rock-bottom of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations table and if Warren Gatland doesn’t find answers soon, they’re in danger of repeating the feat this time around.

Scotland start strongly against Italy

Scotland 31-19 Italy

Duhan van der Merwe was the star of the show for Scotland last year as he became their all-time leading try scorer. But the wing turned provider at the weekend as he played his part in helping Huw Jones grab the headlines with a stunning hat-trick.

The centre scored his first after just eight minutes and after it was converted, Scotland were in dreamland as they led 10-0. Italy recovered well but the hosts held firm to go into the break 19-9 up.

An even second half meant the Scots stayed in control, as Jones added two more tries to take his international tally to 22. It was the perfect start for Gregor Townsend but his side have bigger tests to come, starting against defending champions Ireland this week.

Meanwhile, Italy are set for a huge clash against Wales. Both sides will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and it’s highly likely that the loser of Sunday’s meeting will be destined to finish bottom of the pile in this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

Ireland come from behind to sink England

Ireland 27-22 England

As England took to the field in Dublin on Saturday evening, they would have been forgiven for thinking they had more than a chance of getting a result. Just over 11 months ago, a dramatic last-gasp drop goal from Marcus Smith earned England a one-point win over their old rivals.

That win ultimately prevented Ireland from securing a second successive Grand Slam. And while England were confident at kick-off at the weekend, they’d have been pinching themselves at half-time after going into the break with a 10-5 advantage.

A debut try from Cadan Murley set them on their way in a battling opening period. Sadly for England, they’d hurt Ireland’s pride, which ultimately woke the beast. The hosts came out firing in the second half and took control. A trio of tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan all but secured a bonus point win for the Irish and a triumphant start as they seek their third consecutive Guinness Men’s Six Nations title.

The visitors clawed back some pride late on, with tries from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman confirming a losing bonus point. While Steve Borthwick’s side will have had high hopes going into the competition, they’ve now lost six of their last seven games and a meeting with France this weekend could further compound their misery.

Ireland face a tricky trip to Scotland but they’ll be full of confidence. They then face minnows Italy and will expect to be flying high at the top of the table by the time they meet the French in week four.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations week two fixtures

Italy v Wales – Saturday 8th February, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

England v France – Saturday 8th February, 16:45
Allianz Stadium, London

Scotland v Ireland – Sunday 9th February, 15:00
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

With the Guinness Men’s Six Nations kicking off tomorrow evening, we’ve saved the best until last. Ireland are ranked as the second best side in the world behind New Zealand and they’re targeting a third consecutive title.

They meet old rivals England in their opening fixture on Saturday and ahead of their title defence, we’ve taken a closer look at their chances.

How have they been playing?

After securing the Guinness Men’s Six Nations last year, Ireland showed exactly why they’re not quite ranked the best side in the world in the Autumn Nations Series.

They came up against New Zealand in their opening game and were ultimately schooled in their own backyard as they lost 23-13. The All Blacks have developed into something of a bogey team for the Irish, having knocked them out of the World Cup in their previous meeting.

However, Ireland recovered to prove themselves as one of the top sides on the planet. They secured narrow wins over Argentina and Australia, while they tossed Fiji aside in their clash, beating them 52-17 in Dublin.

In last year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Ireland won four of their five matches, with a one-point defeat at the hands of England preventing a second consecutive Grand Slam. Marcus Smith broke Irish hearts as he fired home a drop goal in the dying embers of the game to secure victory for England at Twickenham.

Ireland will be looking to avenge that defeat as they face England in their opening game this weekend. If they can beat England, all eyes will be on their clash with France in Dublin on Saturday 8th March.

If both sides perform to the best of their ability in their opening four games, that could well be the match that decides the winner of this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

Who are Ireland’s key players?

With coach Andy Farrell taking some time out to focus on the British and Irish Lions, Simon Easterby has stepped up to take charge for this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign.

And the defence coach hasn’t been afraid to shake things up. Uncapped 22-year-old Jack Boyle is in the squad for the first time after impressing for Leinster. Meanwhile, a string of familiar faces are back in the fold, with James Lowe, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong back in the squad after injury. However, Furlong is set to miss out this weekend following the recurrence of a calf injury.

Jimmy O’Brien is also set for a return to the Ireland set-up. The fullback has not played for his nation since Ireland’s quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup. Caelan Doris will captain the side for the Guiness Men’s Six Nations campaign.

Tom O’Toole is not in the initial squad after being suspended for six matches, while Craig Casey missed out through injury. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no space for Thomas Ahern – the Munster lock misses out despite his impressive form this season.

Ireland Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixtures

Ireland v England – Saturday 1st February, 16:45
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Scotland v Ireland – Sunday 9th February, 15:00
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Wales v Ireland – Saturday 22nd February, 14:15
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Ireland v France – Saturday 8th March, 14:15
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Italy v Ireland – Saturday 15th March, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Hospitality for Ireland’s matches

If you want to watch Ireland defend their crown in style, you can make the most of our exclusive hospitality area in the Marian College Marquee.

It’s located a short walk from the Aviva Stadium and as well as premium seats, you’ll get all this:

●    Early admission to the corporate hospitality areas
●    Full complimentary bar
●    Delicious three-course gourmet meal paired with superior wines
●    Finger food during the post-match reception
●    Interview with current Ireland players
●    HD TVs with video replays, ref talk and an official match programme

To join us for either of Ireland’s Guiness Men’s Six Nations matches at the Aviva Stadium, enquire today to reserve your place.

Ireland squad

Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster) Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Caolin Blade (Connacht), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster)

With the Guinness Men’s Six Nations getting underway this weekend, our attention turns to Scotland. Having already previewed England and Wales’ chances, we’ve taken a closer look at Gregor Townsend’s side, who enjoyed a positive showing in the Autumn Nations Series.

How have they been playing?

Despite finishing fourth in last year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Scotland fans have every reason to be positive going into this year’s competition. They performed well in the Autumn Nations Series, winning three of their four matches.

The Scots stormed past Fiji in their opening game, scoring nine tries in a 57-17 rout, with Darcy Graham bagging four. They followed that up with a defeat to South Africa before beating Portugal in their third game.

Scotland came up against Australia in their final match of the series and against all odds, they ran out 27-13 winners in a triumphant performance. Duhan van der Merwe notched his 30th international try to edge back in front as Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer.

Their strong showing at the back end of last year will breed confidence ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, as will their recent head-to-head record against England. Scotland have won their last four meetings with their neighbours. In fact, England have won just one of the last seven meetings between the two nations.

Scotland will be desperate to continue that run but they’ll need to improve their results against the other sides. They’ve not won the competition since its final outing as the Five Nations back in 1999, while they’ve only finished in the top half of the final table twice in the last decade.

They start their campaign against Italy, which could breed some much-needed confidence into both the players and the fans. On the other hand, a difficult game and a negative result could see them doomed before the tournament has barely started.

Who are Scotland’s key players?

Fergus Burke will be looking to make an impression after being drafted into the Scotland squad for the first time. The 25-year-old is from New Zealand but qualifies for the Scots through his grandfather.

The fly-half has plenty of pedigree, having joined Saracens last year to replace Owen Farrell. Burke is joined in the squad by fellow first-timer Jack Mann, who will be hoping to gain his maiden international cap this weekend.

Elsewhere, the experienced Jonny Gray is back in the squad after missing the Autumn Nations Series through injury. Dave Cherry has also earned a recall, while Glasgow Warriors centre Sione Tuipulotu will captain his nation.

Record try scorer Van der Merwe is in the squad and will be hoping to continue his rich scoring form – he scored nine tries in 2024, including a hat-trick in Scotland’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations win over England.

Max Williamson has missed out on the squad with an injury. Meanwhile, Kyle Steyn is also injured, but could make a return for Scotland’s later games.

Scotland Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixtures

Scotland v Italy – Saturday 1st February, 14:15
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Scotland v Ireland – Sunday 9th February, 15:00
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

England v Scotland – Saturday 22nd February, 16:45
Allianz Stadium, London

Scotland v Wales – Saturday 8th March, 16:45
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium Edinburgh

France v Scotland – Saturday 15th March, 20:00
Stade de France, Paris

Hospitality for Scotland’s matches

Three of Scotland’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations matches take place at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium and you can join us for the action in the best seats in the house.

You’ll be treated like royalty from minute one, with priority check-in, dedicated turnstiles and unrivalled views of the pitch. Plus, you’ll also get all of this:

●    Welcome drink of champagne, gin and tonic or beer
●    Three-course meal and post-match snack created by our Executive Head Chef
●    Fully inclusive bar with dedicated drinks hosts
●    Fine wines chosen by our sommelier alongside your meal
●    Entertainment from rugby legends past and present
●    The chance to win exclusive memorabilia

We’d love for you to join us in the Thistle Suite – enquire today to reserve your place.

Scotland squad

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Gregor Brown (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh), Will Hurd (Leicester), Jack Mann (Glasgow), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Dylan Richardson (Sharks), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow), Marshall Sykes (Edinburgh)

Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Matt Currie (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Tom Jordan (Glasgow), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon)

After previewing England’s chances in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, our attention now turns to Wales. Warren Gatland’s side get this year’s competition underway a week tomorrow with a tough test away at France.

Ahead of their opening fixture, we’ve taken a look at their chances as they look to bounce back from a nightmare 2024.

How have they been playing?

Wales took the wooden spoon for the first time in 21 years in last year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations. They finished rock-bottom of the table as they lost all five of their matches, just three years after lifting the trophy back in 2021.

Wales’ disastrous Guinness Men’s Six Nations showing 12 months ago set the tone for the year. They lost all of their remaining matches in 2024, becoming the first international rugby team to lose every single match in a calendar year since 1937.

Five of those defeats came at the hands of Australia and South Africa, which would usually be forgiven. Yet their 24-19 defeat to Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series in November was a cause for concern and Gatland has a job on his hands to turn their fortunes around.

A trip to Paris in the curtain-raiser will be tricky but following that they’ll be heading to Italy, who they’ll fancy their chances of beating. A win over the Italians would likely be enough to avoid a successive wooden spoon, although they should realistically be setting their sights higher.

Wales end their Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign by welcoming neighbours England to Cardiff in mid-March. Depending on how the competition goes, there’s every chance that clash could be Gatland’s final time in charge.

Who are Wales’ key players?

Following a 2024 to forget, Wales clearly needed a huge shake-up so it’s no surprise that Gatland has shaken up his squad. With Dewi Lake injured, Ospreys forward Jac Morgan has taken over as captain for the spring fixtures. Sam Costelow is also out with an injury, which has led to a few raised eyebrows after fly-half Gareth Anscombe was left out.

Meanwhile, Wales have been strengthened by the return of some key players from injury. Josh Adams, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, Joe Roberts and Liam Williams are all back in the fold having missed the Autumn Nations Series through injury.

Like England, Wales have named two uncapped players in their squad in the shape of Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards and Scarlets wing Ellis Mee. And they might not be their only Guiness Men’s Six Nations debutants – eight players that made their debut in 2024 are hopeful of their bows in the iconic competition.

Gatland’s squad is packed full of youth and inexperience. With an average age of 26, there are an astonishing 18 players in the camp with 10 caps or fewer. The Wales boss will be hoping that a new-look group with a fresh mindset will fire them into action as they look to put 2024 behind them.

Wales Guiness Men’s Six Nations fixtures

France v Wales – Friday 31st January, 20:15
Stade de France, Paris

Italy v Wales – Saturday 8th February, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Wales v Ireland – Saturday 22nd February, 14:15
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Scotland v Wales – Saturday 8th March, 16:45
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium Edinburgh

Wales v England – Saturday 15th March, 16:45
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Hospitality for Wales’ matches

As ever, you can enjoy all of Wales’ home Guiness Men’s Six Nations games from the comfort of our premium hospitality facility.

The exclusive area at the Principality Stadium is located in the iconic Gaucho restaurant – as well as unrivalled views from your Category A seat, you’ll also get all this:

●    Sparkling wine reception
●    Three house beverages per person (Guinness, draught lager or wine)
●    Delicious three-course lunch with half a bottle of wine per person
●    Guest speakers
●    Complimentary match programme
●    Hostess service

If you’d like to watch the rugby action in Cardiff from the best seats in the house, enquire today to reserve your place.

Wales squad

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), WillGriff John (Sale Sharks), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Sam Parry (Ospreys), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby)

Backs: Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Joe Roberts (Scarlets), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Saracens), Rhodri Williams (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby)

The wait is almost over – it’s almost time for the return of the greatest rugby competition in the world. The 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations is less than two weeks away, with a month and a half of top-class international action to look forward to.

As the anticipation builds, we’re going to be taking a closer look at each of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, analysing their chances of winning and highlighting the incredible hospitality options we have available.

First up is England, who are looking to win the Guinness Men’s Six Nations for the first time since 2020. Can they go all the way for a record 40th time since the competition began in 1883? Let’s find out!

How have they been playing?

On paper, England’s performance in the Autumn Nations Series leaves a lot to be desired. Yet there were plenty of positives to take from their campaign, despite three defeats in their four matches.

Those losses don’t necessarily tell the whole story, as they were all narrow and came against some of the world’s best sides. England led their opener against New Zealand 22-14 and ultimately only lost by two points.

Meanwhile, their defeat to Australia saw them score their most ever points in a home defeat, with the visitors securing a last-gasp win. England then lost to South Africa before finishing the series with a huge 59-14 win over Japan.

Steve Borthwick’s side were imperious at Twickenham, scoring eight tries in a dominant performance that will have given them huge confidence going into their spring fixtures. They face a tricky start to the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, with Ireland and France coming up in their opening two games.

But if they can get through those with positive results, it’ll put them in a strong position for their remaining games and they’ll feel that they already have one hand on the iconic trophy.

Who are England’s key players?

Borthwick has freshened things up ahead of the competition, handing the captaincy to Saracens lock Maro Itoje. The 30-year-old becomes the 136th skipper in England history as he replaces Jamie George, who will serve as vice-captain.

England will be looking at George Ford and Marcus Smith to be key figures in their quest for points. Smith has become an essential cog in the side since his debut back in 2021. The versatile star can play at both full-back and fly-half and he’s naturally filled the shoes of former captain Owen Farrell, who last played for England in 2023.

In a new-look squad, Borthwick has selected 13 players with fewer than 10 caps, including two uncapped hopefuls. Harlequins duo Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley have been rewarded for their performances this season and they’ll both be keen to make their debuts in the opener in Dublin.

Sam Underhill is set to miss out through injury, as is 2024 breakout star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The wing made his debut against Italy almost 12 months ago and he scored five tries in a promising first year in the England fold. Sadly, he’ll miss out on a second Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign after dislocating his shoulder last month.

England Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixtures

Ireland v England – Saturday 1st February, 16:45
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin

England v France – Saturday 8th February, 16:45
Allianz Stadium, London

England v Scotland – Saturday 22nd February, 16:45
Allianz Stadium, London

England v Italy – Sunday 9th March, 15:00
Allianz Stadium, London

Wales v England – Saturday 15th March, 16:45
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Hospitality for England’s matches

If you want to watch the greatest yearly rugby competition in style, we’re offering exclusive hospitality packages for all of England’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations matches.

For the three games at the Allianz Stadium, you can enjoy a day of luxury in our ICON facility. It’s located just a few steps from your premium allocated seats and you can make the most of all this:

●    Welcome Champagne reception
●    Complimentary bar
●    Delicious four-course lunch with selected wines
●    Complimentary programme
●    VIP host service throughout the day
●    Meet and greets with rugby legends

Fancy watching the rugby in style? Enquire today to reserve your place.

England squad

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Martin (Leicester), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).