2026 Six Nations Team Of The Week: Round One

Saturday, 07 February 2026 at 19:51

byRugby Rucker

The 2026 Six Nations Team of the Week for Round One reflects a thrilling opening weekend that delivered dominant victories, a historic upset and several standout individual performances.

France sent an early warning to their rivals with a convincing win over Ireland, Italy edged Scotland in Rome, and England overwhelmed Wales at Twickenham.

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

From those fixtures, here is our 2026 Six Nations Team of the Week (Round One).

Six Nations Round One Results

France 36–14 Ireland – France dominate in Paris
Italy 18–15 Scotland – Italy secure a famous home victory
England 48–7 Wales – England run riot at Twickenham

? 2026 Six Nations Team of the Week – Round One

1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (France)

A strong all-round showing from the French loosehead. Gros was secure at scrum time and composed in open play, highlighted by a perfectly timed pass for France’s third try. A productive 50-minute contribution.

2. Jamie George (England)

An authoritative display from the England captain. George’s physicality around the breakdown and accuracy at the lineout were central to England’s early dominance, setting the tone up front.

3. Simone Ferrari (Italy)

Marked his milestone appearance with an emotional and effective performance. Ferrari anchored Italy’s scrum, contributed heavily in defence and celebrated a crucial scrum penalty that lifted the Stadio Olimpico.

4. Niccolò Cannone (Italy)

A relentless defensive effort. Cannone repeatedly halted Scotland’s momentum and played a key role late on as Italy closed out a tense finish, including involvement in the decisive choke tackle.

5. Ollie Chessum (England)

One of the standout performances of Round One. Chessum was dominant in contact, effective in the maul and consistently powerful with ball in hand, underlining his growing importance to England.

6. Guy Pepper (England)

Brought energy and tempo throughout the contest. Pepper excelled in broken play, regularly arriving first at the breakdown and finishing with 14 tackles in a tireless 80-minute performance.

7. Oscar Jégou (France)

The standout member of France’s back row. Jégou seemed to be everywhere, shutting down Irish attacks before they could develop. His relentless work-rate and 15 tackles defined a suffocating defensive display.

8. Lorenzo Cannone (Italy)

Completed a back row built on work-rate and resilience. Cannone carried tirelessly, absorbing pressure and setting a physical tone. His powerful carry from deep inside Italy’s 22 epitomised his commitment.

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

A welcome return at Test level. Dupont produced flashes of brilliance that hinted at more to come, adding sharpness and control during key phases of France’s win.

10. George Ford (England)

A masterclass in game management. Ford dictated territory with intelligent kicking, created tries with precision passing and ensured the match was played largely in Wales’ half.

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

Electric throughout. Bielle-Biarrey repeatedly troubled Ireland’s defence, scoring a superb solo try and finishing the match with significant metres gained.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)

Displayed composure and class. His try was taken beautifully, and his counter-attacking ability consistently relieved pressure on Italy during key moments.

13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)

A fitting way to mark his 50th cap. Brex linked play intelligently in the first half and showed defensive steel late on as Italy defended their slender lead.

14. Henry Arundell (England)

Clinical finishing at its best. Arundell scored a first-half hat-trick, continuing his remarkable try-scoring record and seizing his opportunity on the international stage.

15. Thomas Ramos (France)

A calm and assured performance from the back. Ramos controlled territory, contributed creatively in attack and was flawless from the tee, landing five successful kicks at goal.