The penultimate round of fixtures in this year’s Six Nations had it all. A 90-point thriller at Murrayfield that has denied France its long-touted Grand Slam and a competitive match in Dublin that ultimately resulted in Wales extending its losing streak to 15 games.
But the biggest, most historic result came in Rome as Italy defeated England for the first time in its history. After 32 previous attempts, the Azzurri stunned England in their 33rd meeting to clinch a deserved victory against an England side that was many pundits’ favourite for the title this year.
It is certainly a significant win for Italy, and demonstrates the roller-coaster ride of international sport, with highs and lows just a game apart. The current Italian side is benefitting from a professional set up at provincial level, an outstanding coach in Gonzalo Quesada who has over the past two years developed a playing style that taps in to the strengths of his squad. Lastly, and most importantly, Italy now has a deep squad of talented players, operating in a system that enhances their abilities, and this victory over England will turbo charge their confidence ahead of a final match against Wales.
For England, they head into the final weekend with the prospect of facing a wounded France in Paris. Lose in Paris, as is expected, and England will have suffered four defeats in the same championship for the first time since 1976 – another piece of history that the squad will be desperate not to be associated with.
It has all gone wrong very quickly for England, who came into the tournament on an 11-match winning run, with discipline being a major issue behind their downfall. In the last four games they have played 80 minutes a man down against their opposition due to red and yellow cards, and in a sport of tight margins that disadvantage will almost always be fatal.
England also suffers from expectation. Being the largest union in Europe (and the world), with 2.1 million players, ten professional teams in the Prem and the largest revenue, there is an expectation that their representative side will always be near the top of the standings. But, fortunately, international sport isn’t always about numbers and money, and a straight contest between 15 opposing players can come down to much more basic attributes such as passion, desire and application.
England fans will expect their rugby team to bounce back, but it may not be that simple. They have the daunting trip to Paris next weekend, and that is followed by a fixture against the World Champion South African team in their backyard of Johannesburg – two of the toughest assignments in world rugby.
What may also be giving England fans pause for thought is the announcement last week from rugby authorities in England confirming that clubs will have to ‘bid’ to become part of the topflight Prem league from 2027-2028. This announcement signals the end of merit-based promotion and relegation into the Prem. Instead, clubs wanting to move to the Prem will be assessed on level of play, finances, investment, current infrastructure and their geographic location.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has come out to say that he is saddened by the decision. He led Exeter to promotion in 2010, and the club was the last side to be promoted from the second tier and establish themselves in the top flight, even winning the European Champions Cup in 2020.
The new process could mean a side would be able to ‘win’ a place in the top flight after a season in the second tier, even if they are not the best team in that league, which seems very counter-intuitive. In the bigger picture, it is also not going to do very much to help England’s competitiveness on the international stage, but sport is big business and other factors will always come into play.
The final round of the Six Nations has everything to play for – Scotland, Ireland and France could all potentially win the competition. Italy could record three wins in the tournament for the first time ever. Perhaps, most historic of all, were England to lose heavily to France and Wales wins handsomely against Italy, then England would finish last in the table for the first time ever in the 6 Nations.
It would take a bonus point win by Wales, and a 101-point turnaround in points difference, but stranger things have happened, and we Welsh are forever optimistic!
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The above is accurate as at 12 March 2026.
The information above may be subject to change. The content of this note should not be considered legal advice, and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
