Six Nations is the shining light of rugby and so much this year is hard to predict | Ugo Monye From Ireland’s shot at history to Italy’s raised expectations, the 2025 championship has all the ingredients to rival past classics.
In my playing days, I was fortunate enough to represent England in the championship and one of my fondest memories was my first start for England in the Six Nations at home to Scotland in 2009.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Six Nations and what strikes me on the eve of the tournament is how much of a reassuring presence on the calendar the championship has become.
The World Cup is a wonderful tournament but there is debate over how many teams should feature, the Champions Cup has been tinkered with in terms of format and the Premiership has undergone changes, whether it be the number of teams or the absence of promotion and relegation.
Turning up to Lansdowne Road, the kerfuffle over Martin Johnson refusing to change sides to accommodate the Ireland president before England went on to claim a famous 42-6 victory and secure the grand slam.
