2026 Six Nations: Title Race Goes to the Wire – France, Scotland & Ireland All Contend
With one round of fixtures still to play, the 2026 Six Nations title is still up for grabs
The Men’s Six Nations 2026 is heading for a dramatic conclusion, with France, Scotland and Ireland all still in contention to lift the trophy on Super Saturday.
Despite being level on championship points with second-placed Scotland, reigning champions France remain in the strongest position thanks to their significant points difference.
Ireland’s hopes rely on both France and Scotland faltering, though they do have the historical advantage of not having lost to the Scots since 2017.
The pivotal clash between Ireland and Scotland kicks off in Dublin at on Saturday, March 14th. The victor will face an anxious wait, as France’s game against England doesn’t begin until that evening in Paris.
Below, we detail the permutations for Super Saturday and outline what each of the three teams needs to achieve to claim the Six Nations trophy.
It promises to be a compelling day of rugby, available to follow on television – details on how to watch can be found here.
1. France
(Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Championship points: 16
Points difference: + 79
A week ago, France would have been targeting a Grand Slam in their final Six Nations 2026 fixture.
Their 50-40 defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh ended those aspirations, but that late surge of scores in Murrayfield may ultimately prove decisive. France’s points difference, currently at +79, effectively provides an extra bonus point, giving them control of their destiny.
The late kick-off time in Paris is advantageous, allowing Fabien Galthié’s team to know exactly what they need to do to secure the title.
A bonus point victory over England would guarantee them the championship – Scotland would need to beat Ireland by at least 60 points, an unlikely scenario in Dublin.
But, if France fail to beat England, or win without securing a try-scoring bonus point, the situation becomes considerably more complex…
2. Scotland
(David Rogers/Getty Images)
Championship points: 16
Points difference: + 21
If France beat England without scoring four tries or more, Scotland will claim their first ever Six Nations title with a bonus point victory over Ireland.
A draw from France against England, even with a try-scoring bonus point, would be enough to send the Six Nations trophy to Murrayfield, along with their first Six Nations-era Triple Crown.
Should France lose in Paris, a draw in Dublin will be enough for Scotland to overtake them in the Six Nations table – unless France secure both a try-scoring and a losing bonus point against England. In that scenario, Scotland would need at least a draw with a try-scoring bonus to overtake them.
A loss to Ireland, however, would end Scotland’s championship hopes regardless of the result at the Stade de France.
3. Ireland
(Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Championship points: 14
Points difference: + 16
Ireland’s path to the title is straightforward: they need a victory over Scotland. A draw will not suffice.
They then require England to defeat France, or at least secure a bonus point win. If France pick up both a try-scoring and losing bonus point, Ireland would need to win with a bonus point and for France to score three or fewer tries.