Guinness Six Nations 2023 | Team-by-Team

Since the last World Cup almost four years ago, the 2023 Guinness Six Nations is expected to be the most thrilling. Among the participants are the top two teams in the world – Ireland and France.

In the months leading up to the tournament, former Wales coach Wayne Pivac and England coach Eddie Jones both lost their jobs. Former lock Steve Borthwick now leads England into the Guinness Six Nations as Warren Gatland takes command of Wales once more.

In November, Scotland came close to a historic victory against New Zealand, and even Italy could prove challenging.

We are just a few months away from the next World Cup, which will be held in France in September. In anticipation of the Guinness Six Nations tournament, here’s a look at how each team is doing.

England

Coach: Steve Borthwick

Captain: Owen Farrell

Last Years Position: 3rd

Last 5 Matches: L (v SA) | D (v NZL) | W (v JPN) | L (v ARG) | W (v AUS)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 04.02. v SCO | 12.02. v ITA | 25.02. v WAL | 11.03. v FRA | 18.03. v IRE 

Last year they finished 3rd in the Guinness Six Nations with two wins out of five matches. Their head coach Eddie Jones was sacked after they won five out of twelve Tests. 

Steve Borthwick took over as head coach in December and wants to regain the support of the fans. The players need a clear direction and Borthwick aims to provide that clarity.

Ireland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45JmdCabAu8

Coach: Andy Farrell

Captain: Johnny Sexton

Last Years Position: 2nd

Last 5 Matches: W (v AUS) | W (v FIJ) | W (v SA) | W (v NZL) | W (MABs)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 04.02. v WAL | 11.02. v FRA | 25.02. v ITA | 12.03. v SCO | 18.03. v ENG

They are currently ranked first in the world after a strong autumn where they beat South Africa, Fiji, and Australia. Ireland’s only loss in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations was against eventual champions France. 

They have the World Rugby men’s player of the year, flanker Josh van der Flier, in their squad. However, their form has fluctuated in the past and their head coach, Andy Farrell, says they have learned to handle adversity better.

Scotland

Coach: Gregor Townsend

Captain: Jamie Ritchie

Last Years Position: 4th 

Last 5 Matches: W (v ARG) | L (v NZL) | W v (FIJ) | L v (AUS) | L v (ARG)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 04.02. v ENG | 11.02. v WAL | 26.02. v FRA | 12.03. v IRE | 18.03. v ITA

They had a promising autumn with close losses to New Zealand and Australia. They have added former England wing Ruaridh McConnochie and Munster fly-half Ben Healy to their squad. 

Head coach Gregor Townsend is in his last Guinness Six Nations in charge and Scotland aims for consistency to be able to challenge the best in the world.

Wales

Coach: Warren Gatland

Captain: Ken Owens

Last Years Position: 5th 

Last 5 Matches: L (v AUS) | L (v GEO) | W v (ARG) | L v (NZL) | L v (SA)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 05.02. v ITA | 11.02. v IRE | 25.02. v ENG | 11.03. v ITA | 18.03. v FRA

They struggled in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations under Wayne Pivac, leading to the return of former successful head coach Warren Gatland in December. 

Gatland has won the Guinness Six Nations four times, including three Grand Slams, and sees the tournament as special. He has chosen Ken Owens as captain and aims to build form heading into the World Cup.

France

Coach: Fabien Galthié

Captain: Antoine Dupont  

Last Years Position: 1st 

Last 5 Matches: W (v JPN) | W (v SA) | W (v AUS) | W (v JPN) | W (JPN)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 04.02. v ITA | 11.02. v IRE | 26.02. v SCO | 11.03. v ENG | 18.03. v WAL

They won the 2022 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam for the first time in 12 years and extended their winning streak to 13 matches. No men’s team has ever won back-to-back Grand Slams and France faces a tough challenge ahead with a round two match in Dublin and a round four match against England. They also have the World Cup to look forward to later in the year.

Italy

Coach: Kieran Crowley

Captain: Michele Lamaro

Last Years Position: 6th 

Last 5 Matches: L (v SA) | W (v AUS) | W (v SAM) | L (v GEO) | W (ROM)

Guinness Six Nations Fixtures: 05.02. v FRA | 12.02. v ENG | 25.02. v IRE | 11.03. v WAL | 18.03. v SCO

Despite finishing sixth in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, Italy won their first match since 2015 against Wales. They have a promising squad and a win against Australia in November, sparking speculation of another victory in the Guinness Six Nations.

Find out more about the Guinness Six Nations 2023 here.