The 2026 Six Nations kicks off next month and Jonny Wilkinson has made a surprise prediction for the winners
Jonny Wilkinson has made a surprising prediction for the Six Nations winners, backing Italy to clinch their first-ever title since joining the tournament in 2000. The Six Nations kicks off next month, with France taking on Ireland in the opening match.
Italy’s first challenge will be Scotland on the first Saturday, while England will wrap up the opening weekend with a showdown against Wales at Twickenham Stadium. While most experts are tipping favourites France or England to take home the trophy, Wilkinson stands firm with his choice.
He said: “I think it could be Italy. They can be a dangerous outfit if you don’t give them the respect they rightly deserve and they have shown that they can hang in there with the best of them.”
Italy are yet to taste overall victory in the Six Nations, having finished last and received the famous wooden spoon 18 times. However, in 2024, they managed to dodge this fate by defeating Scotland and Wales and securing a notable draw against France.
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Former England star Topsy Ojo is not backing his home country and instead predicts that France will secure consecutive victories in the tournament. He said: “France – the defending champions have 3 home games in Paris, with 2 of those in the opening three rounds.
“A good start sets them up perfectly to not only go back to back, but chase down a grand slam clash with England on the final weekend.”
Ex-England international Maggie Alphonsi has tipped either France or England to claim the title, basing her prediction on current form. She said: “It will be between France or England. Ireland have shown during the autumn that they are susceptible to dips in their performance. I think it will come down to the final game, England v France in France.
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“France have a good run of games and England have a couple of tough ones away, including against Scotland and France. I am leaning towards England doing it and that’s purely based on their winning run/form.”
Alphonsi added: “England are on an 11 match winning run including beating New Zealand. England has gone up in the world rankings from 7th to 3rd and they are a team with plenty of depth.
“England now finish games strong, which was a big issue for them last season. England also have an experienced and settled coaching team with the likes of Lee Blackett and Phil Morrow, along with a perfect balance of experience and youth in the squad.”
Meanwhile, Welsh legend Dan Biggar and ex-Scotland international Greg Laidlaw both believe France will secure another championship in 2026. Biggar said: “France, very closely followed by England.
“We have seen the impact from benches recently in the game and these two teams have the ability to change the game with their respective benches the most. But just with DuPont being back available, I fancy France.”
Laidlaw added: “My front runner to win the competition is France, with three home games and a blockbuster match against Ireland to start, I think France will get it done.”
Meanwhile, former Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has thrown his weight behind England to clinch their first Six Nations title since 2020. He said: “I think England probably go in as favourites.
“They really seem to be building something special – on the back of a number of good performances.”
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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