Grading every nation after the 2026 Six Nations

Each team experienced a mix of highs and lows and will take away very different lessons and levels of optimism from this year’s edition. With that in mind, here is a grade for each team, from A+ to F, based on their performance relative to expectations.

While far from flawless, France delivered when it mattered and deserve significant credit for it. On paper, they had the strongest team in the tournament, so there will be some disappointment in hindsight at not clinching a Grand Slam with a win at Murrayfield. Still, lifting the title provides plenty of satisfaction.

Throughout the competition, they impressed with moments of brilliant attacking rugby. Their defence, particularly in the later stages, was less consistent, but overall, there is little to complain about. The squad appears poised to maintain a very high standard for years, though vulnerabilities remain that opponents could exploit.

Winning in the final moments against England demonstrated a relentless, never-say-die spirit, an attitude that will serve them well in the future.

Ireland’s campaign only improved after a tough but respectable defeat in Paris on the opening night, a game that now feels a lifetime ago.

Under Andy Farrell, the team played with greater ambition, showing a more expansive style while retaining a formidable forward pack. With some of their seasoned stars nearing the end of their careers, players like Robert Baloucoune stepped up, providing optimism for the future of Irish rugby, which had been uncertain.

Losing the title in such a narrow fashion will have been heartbreaking, but securing the Triple Crown, and especially a commanding win at Allianz Stadium, offers plenty of consolation.

It’s difficult to judge Scotland too harshly, given that they secured wins over both France and England. However, they had the title within their grasp and faltered at crucial moments, first by conceding a bonus point to France at Murrayfield, and then by losing to Ireland on the final day.

This was their best chance at a championship, and missing it highlights a lingering question about whether the squad has the mentality to consistently finish at the top.

On the positive side, their performance against France showed they can compete with, and beat, the very best. Yet the loss to Italy revealed the flip side: when expectations are high, Scotland can struggle. Overall, it was a season of highs and lows, a truly mixed bag.

This rating could have been even higher if not for their loss to Wales. Gonzalo Quesada has created something remarkable in Italy, with a squad now capable of challenging any team.

This season has truly raised Italian rugby’s profile, and they boast genuine stars like Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex, players who can change a game on their own.

Combined with a strong forward pack, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the Azzurri. Their first-ever victory over England was historic, and their win against Scotland demonstrated real grit. Even in defeat, they remained competitive, something they can be proud of.

Statistically, this has been England’s worst Six Nations campaign ever. They conceded more points than any other England team in Six Nations history, lost four games for the first time, and finished fifth, level on wins with a struggling Wales side.

It seems even worse when considering that many believed they were Grand Slam contenders.

Even their strong showing against France in Paris ended without a win, though they do deserve credit for pushing Les Bleus hard. Otherwise, their performances were lacklustre, particularly against Scotland and Ireland, where they collapsed and were convincingly beaten.

Questions over Steve Borthwick’s tactics and the team’s direction remain, and answers will be needed sooner rather than later.

Wales are finally showing signs of revival. After going winless since 2023, they secured a convincing Six Nations victory over Italy in the final round at Cardiff.

That win alone injects much-needed positivity into Welsh rugby, which has been struggling, and overall, their performances have steadily improved under Steve Tandy.

They look far stronger than the side that was beaten by England at Allianz Stadium in the opening round. The players appear hungry, and they’ve managed to win the fans back.