The eagerly anticipated return of the Six Nations kicks off on the initial weekend of February, showcasing the pinnacle of northern hemisphere rugby as elite teams vie for the coveted trophy. With pivotal clashes igniting the competition from the outset, anticipation is high.

Leading up to the 2024 Six Nations, we provide comprehensive insight into the impending tournament, offering a detailed analysis team by team, along with rugby odds and expert betting advice to ensure you’re fully prepared for the excitement ahead.

The Six Nations, a prestigious rugby union tournament with roots tracing back to 1883 as the Home Nations, underwent a significant evolution in 2000 when it expanded to feature six nations instead of the previous four (1883-1909) and five (1910-2000).

This annual competition showcases the prowess of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Italy as they vie for the coveted trophy. The tournament kicks off on the first weekend of February, culminating in the thrilling Super Saturday final round of games in early March.

Throughout the Six Nations, each participating team faces off against every other team once, resulting in a total of 15 gripping matches. Points are earned by teams based on their performance, with 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. Additional points are awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match and for losing by a margin of 7 points or fewer.

Beyond clinching the Six Nations title, teams aspire to achieve the esteemed Grand Slam title by triumphing in all of their matches. Conversely, they endeavor to avoid the ignominy of the Wooden Spoon, earned by losing all matches. Notably, Wales and England share the record for the most title wins, each boasting 39 victories. As of last year, Ireland holds the reigning champion status following their impressive Grand Slam triumph.

With this blend of tradition and innovation, the 2024 Six Nations Championship is poised to captivate fans and players alike, offering a dynamic showcase of rugby across Europe.

Ireland

Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, has selected seasoned back rower Peter O’Mahony to take over the captaincy from Johnny Sexton, who recently retired from professional rugby.

With ambitions to replicate their Grand Slam triumph of the previous year, Ireland aims to rebound from their World Cup exit at the hands of New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Among the 34-player roster, there are no debutants, although three players – Oli Jager and Thomas Ahern from Munster, and Sam Prendergast from Leinster – have been included to participate in training sessions with the squad.

Coach: Andy Farrell

Captain: Peter O’Mahony

Last Year’s Position: 1st

Last 5 Matches: L (v NZ) | W (v SCO) | W (v SA) | W (v TON) | W (ROM)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 02.02. v FRA | 11.02. v ITA | 24.02. v WAL | 09.03. v ENG | 16.03. v SCO

Squad

Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster – captain), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster)Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)Robbie Henshaw (Leinster)Hugo Keenan (Leinster)Jordan Larmour (Leinster)James Lowe (Leinster)Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)Conor Murray (Munster)Calvin Nash (Munster)Garry Ringrose (Leinster)Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

France

Antoine Dupont has decided to temporarily step away from France’s national team duties to focus on competing in Sevens at the upcoming Paris Olympics. As a result, Gregory Alldritt, the dynamic No. 8, has been entrusted with the captaincy for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthie, France secured a commendable second-place finish in the 2023 Six Nations, trailing behind Ireland. With their eyes set on clinching the title this year, Les Bleus will kick off their campaign against the reigning champions in Marseille.

The squad sees the inclusion of five debutants, notably Nolann Le Garrec from Racing 92, who steps in to fill Dupont’s shoes as the scrum-half. Additionally, prop Uini Atonio has made a U-turn on his retirement from international duty following the World Cup, bolstering the team’s forward pack.

Coach: Fabien Galthié

Captain: Grégory Alldritt

Last Year’s Position: 2nd

Last 5 Matches: L (v SA) | W (v ITA) | W (v NAM) | W (v URU) | W (NZL)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 02.02. v IRE | 10.02. v SCO | 25.02. v ITA | 10.03. v WAL | 16.03. v ENG

Squad

Forwards: Esteban Abadie (Toulon), Dorian Aldegheri (Toulouse), Gregory Alldritt (La Rochelle) (Captain), Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Cyril Baille (Toulouse), Gaetan Barlot (Castres Olympique), Paul Boudehent (La Rochelle), Francois Cros (Toulouse), Paul Gabrillagues (Stade Francais), Matthias Halagahu (Toulon), Anthony Jelonch (Toulouse), Thomas Laclayat (Racing 92), Julien Marchand (Toulouse), Peato Mauvaka (Toulouse), Emmanuel Meafou (Toulouse), Charles Ollivon (Toulon), Romain Taofifenua (Lyon), Sebastien Taofifenua (Lyon), Reda Wardi (La Rochelle), Cameron Woki (Racing 92).

Backs: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Begles), Jonathan Danty (La Rochelle), Nicolas Depoortere (Bordeaux-Begles), Gael Fickou (Racing 92), Emilien Gailleton (Section Paloise), Antoine Gibert (Racing 92), Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Begles), Melvyn Jaminet (Toulon), Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92), Matthis Lebel (Toulouse), Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux-Begles), Yoram Moefana (Bordeaux-Begles), Damian Penaud (Bordeaux-Begles), Thomas Ramos (Toulouse).

Scotland

Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, has unveiled his squad for the Six Nations tournament, introducing four fresh faces into the mix. Among them is former England prop Alec Hepburn, marking a notable addition to the team. Hepburn, currently playing for Exeter, last adorned the international stage in 2018. His eligibility to represent Scotland stems from his familial ties.

Joining Hepburn in the lineup are Sale winger Arron Reed, whose past accolades include appearances for England at age-grade levels, along with Edinburgh’s Harry Paterson and Leicester’s Will Hurd.

However, the squad announcement comes with its share of surprises. Notably absent is experienced Edinburgh flanker Hamish Watson, a fixture in the World Cup squad. Additionally, Townsend has yet to disclose the identity of the team’s captain, leaving fans and pundits speculating ahead of the tournament.

Coach: Gregor Townsend

Captain: Rory Darge / Finn Russell

Last Year’s Position: 3rd 

Last 5 Matches: L (v IRE) | W (v ROM) | W v (TON) | L v (SA) | W v (GEO)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 03.02. v WAL | 10.02. v FRA | 24.02. v ENG | 09.03. v ITA | 16.03. v IRE

Squad

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Andy Christie (Saracens), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), Will Hurd (Leicester Tigers), Johnny Matthews (Glasgow Warriors), WP Nel (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Sam Skinner (Edinburgh), George Turner (Glasgow Warriors), Glen Young (Edinburgh)

Backs: Adam Hastings (Gloucester), Ben Healy (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Harry Paterson (Edinburgh), Ali Price (Edinburgh), Cameron Redpath (Bath), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon)

England

England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, faced the challenge of assembling a revamped squad for the Six Nations tournament. The absence of Owen Farrell, retirement of Courtney Lawes from international rugby, along with numerous injuries and players becoming ineligible due to moves abroad, necessitated this fresh selection.

Among the newcomers is Exeter winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, earning his first call-up after switching allegiance from Wales, where he previously represented at youth levels. Joining him are six other uncapped players: Fraser Dingwall, a former England under-20 captain from Northampton; Fin Smith, Dingwall’s teammate at Saints; Oscar Beard and Chandler Cunningham-South from Harlequins; Tom Roebuck from Sale; and Ethan Roots, a New Zealand-born flanker from Exeter.

Notable returns to the squad include Henry Slade, who was unexpectedly omitted from the World Cup squad, and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie. However, there is no place for No. 8 Billy Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler in the lineup.

Coach: Steve Borthwick

Captain: Jamie George

Last Year’s Position: 4th

Last 5 Matches: W (v ARG) | L (v SA) | W (vFIJ) | W (v SAM) | W (v CHI)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 03.02. v ITA | 10.02. v WAL | 24.02. v SCO | 09.03. v IRE | 16.03. v FRA

Squad

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins*), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens) – captain, Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs*), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins*), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints*), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs*), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks*), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints*), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers).

Wales

Just before Wales unveiled their roster for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, a seismic shock rippled through the rugby world as star winger Louis Rees-Zammit declared his intention to depart from the sport, setting his sights on a career in the NFL.

In the absence of World Cup co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake due to injuries, Daffyd Jenkins steps up to lead the squad in their opening clash against Scotland. Jenkins, the dynamic Exeter lock, earns the captain’s armband on the back of his stellar performances for his club throughout the season, marking him as a standout leader. Notably, Jenkins will mark history by becoming the second youngest player to captain the senior Wales side, following in the footsteps of the illustrious Sam Warburton.

The squad, comprised of 34 players, boasts the inclusion of five fresh faces who have yet to earn their caps at this level. Among them are Cardiff’s promising talents Alex Mann and Mackenzie Martin, who ply their trade in the back rows, along with their club counterparts Cameron Winnett, a versatile full-back, and Evan Lloyd, a tenacious flanker. Joining them is Bath’s Archie Griffin, adding depth to the front row. Noteworthy is the return of James Botham, son of cricket legend Sir Ian Botham, who secures a recall to the squad.

In total, the squad balances 19 forwards with 15 backs, reflecting a strategic blend of experience and emerging talent as Wales gears up for the challenges ahead in the Six Nations arena.

Coach: Warren Gatland

Captain: Dafydd Jenkins

Last Year’s Position: 5th

Last 5 Matches: W (v BaBas) | L (v ARG) | W v (GEO) | W v (AUS) | W v (POR)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 03.02. v SCO | 10.02. v ENG | 24.02. v IRE | 10.03. v FRA | 16.03. v ITA

Squad

Forwards: Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Rugby), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby), Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby), Leon Brown (Dragons), Archie Griffin (Bath), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby), Taine Basham (Dragons), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby), Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Cai Evans (Dragons), Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets), Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby), George North (Ospreys), Joe Roberts (Scarlets), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)

Italy

Gonzalo Quesada, the newly appointed head coach of Italy, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, introducing five fresh faces yet to earn their international caps. Among them is Ross Vintcent, a back-row player originally from South Africa, who plies his trade for Exeter.

Joining Vintcent are Mirco Spagnolo, Alessandro Izekor, Matteo Nocera, and Luca Rizzoli, all eager to make their debut appearances as they prepare to confront England in their inaugural match. However, Italy will be without the services of Dino Lamb, the Harlequins lock, who is sidelined due to injury.

Coach: Gonzalo Quesada

Captain: Michele Lamaro

Last Year’s Position: 6th

Last 5 Matches: L (v FRA) | L (v NZL) | W (v URU) | W (v NAM) | W (v JPN)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 03.02. v ENG | 11.02. v IRE | 25.02. v FRA | 09.03. v SCO | 16.03. v WAL

Squad

Forwards: Pietro Ceccarelli (Perpignan), Danilo Fischetti (Zebre Parma), Matteo Nocera (Zebre Parma), Luca Rizzoli (Zebre Parma), Mirco Spagnolo (Benetton Rugby), Giosuè Zilocchi (Benetton Rugby), Gianmarco Lucchesi (Benetton Rugby), Marco Manfredi (Zebre Parma), Giacomo Nicotera (Benetton Rugby), Niccolò Cannone (Benetton Rugby), Edoardo Iachizzi (Benetton Rugby), Federico Ruzza (Benetton Rugby), Andrea Zambonin (Zebre Parma), Lorenzo Cannone (Benetton Rugby), Riccardo Favretto (Benetton Rugby), Alessandro Izekor (Benetton Rugby), Michele Lamaro (Benetton Rugby), Sebastian Negri (Benetton Rugby), Ross Vintcent (Exeter), Manuel Zuliani (Benetton Rugby)

Backs: Alessandro Garbisi (Benetton Rugby), Martin Page-Relo (Lyon), Stephen Varney (Gloucester), Tommaso Allan (Perpignan), Paolo Garbisi (Montpellier), Juan Ignacio Brex (Benetton Rugby), Tommaso Menoncello (Benetton Rugby), Federico Mori (Bayonne), Marco Zanon (Benetton Rugby), Pierre Bruno (Zebre Parma), Ange Capuozzo (Toulouse), Monty Ioane (Lyon), Simone Gesi (Zebre Parma), Lorenzo Pani (Zebre Parma)

For more information about the Guinness Six Nations Championship, visit the official Six Nations website or explore all tournament fixtures and stay up-to-date with the latest rugby fixtures here.