Six Nations 2026 Best XV: A Championship to Remember
The 2026 Six Nations tournament delivered unforgettable moments, culminating in the selection of the best XV players. France, as champions, leads the pack with five representatives, but every participating nation has earned a spot in this elite lineup, showcasing the depth and quality of European rugby.
Backline Brilliance
15. Thomas Ramos (France) – With the precision of Jonny Wilkinson and the flair of past greats, Ramos secured his legacy by nailing the decisive final penalty in Paris. At 30, he became the first player to top the points-scoring charts in four consecutive championships and now holds France's all-time record.
14. Kyle Steyn (Scotland) – A key figure for Scotland and Glasgow, Steyn's interception try against France highlighted his game awareness and speed. His aerial prowess and ability to beat defenders set him apart, though Rob Baloucoune also impressed.
13. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy) – At just 23, Menoncello is emerging as Europe's premier centre. His solo try in Italy's historic win over England showcased his strength and commitment, earning him a move to Toulouse next season.
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ireland) – The midfield revelation of the tournament, McCloskey filled the void left by Bundee Aki seamlessly. His work rate was exceptional, with crucial defensive plays like denying Marcus Smith a try at Twickenham.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) – Scoring a record nine tries, including four against England, Bielle-Biarrey is a cheat code in modern rugby. With 29 tries in 27 appearances for France, his vision and pace make him unstoppable at 22.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland) – Russell edged out Matthieu Jalibert with his tactical mastery and ability to elevate his team. His quick restart for Darcy Graham's try in Cardiff exemplified his alertness, proving vital for Scotland's successes.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – In a showdown with Ben White, Gibson-Park's authoritative display against England and commanding win over Scotland secured his spot. At 34, he remains pivotal to Ireland's ambitions.
Forward Powerhouses
1. Rhys Carré (Wales) – Overcoming fitness doubts, Carré reinvented himself as a mobile power athlete, scoring in three successive Tests and leading Wales in points. His try against Ireland was a highlight of his resurgence.
2. Julien Marchand (France) – A stabilising force for France, Marchand's consistency in lineouts and all-round play helped him reclaim the starting role from Peato Mauvaka, with Dan Sheehan and Dewi Lake also in contention.
3. Joe Heyes (England) – Heyes' rapid improvement was a bright spot in England's campaign, anchoring a strong scrum despite his lack of prior Six Nations starts. His off-field interests in history and cooking add to his appeal.
4. Emmanuel Meafou (France) – At 6ft 8in and 23 stone, Meafou's physical impact and deft passing skills made France formidable. His tip-off passes are a modern rugby staple, and at 27, his best years may still be ahead.
5. Charles Ollivon (France) – Ollivon's versatility shone, combining with Mickaël Guillard for a try against Ireland and scoring 19 tries in 53 Tests. His flexibility and skill set are invaluable at 32.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – A Lions Test series veteran, Beirne excelled as a lineout jumper, defender, and turnover specialist. His performance against Scotland edged out competitors like Michele Lamaro and François Cros.
7. Rory Darge (Scotland) – Motivated by Lions omission, Darge tied for top turnovers and scored against England, proving himself as a hard-edged, unselfish performer in Scotland's back-row.
8. Jack Dempsey (Scotland) – Despite a biceps injury, Dempsey was Scotland's most impactful forward, though his move to Japan was announced post-tournament. He narrowly beat Aaron Wainwright, Caelan Doris, and Anthony Jelonch.
Tournament Legacy
The 2026 Six Nations will be remembered for its competitive spirit and individual excellence. This best XV reflects the diverse talents that made the championship a spectacle, with France's dominance balanced by contributions from all nations. As rugby evolves, these players set new standards for future tournaments.
