By Rose Mendham, Second Year English
With the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations upon us, you may be wanting to join the crowds of students heading to pubs and bars each weekend to take in the games. But what if you’re currently clueless as to what on earth the tournament involves? Join me as I take you through the basics of this year's competition, as well as key tips on where and how to watch.
For many people, the month of February might mean Valentines Day planning, pancake day celebrations, or even just the relief that we made it through another January. For the rugby fans amongst us, however, all the attention turns to something more specific. Five weekends across February and March become reserved for packed pubs, group outings, and the inevitable consequences of fantasy league failure. This, of course, is all due to the Guinness Six Nations.
Each year, the men’s national rugby union teams of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy battle it out to establish a dominant European rugby force. But how does a team achieve this victory? Each side plays one another once, alternating every year between home and away fixtures. This means that every single game matters. Each win equates to 4 points, a draw is 2, and a loss 0, with bonus points available when a team scores 4 or more tries, or when they lose by less than 7. This may seem slightly complex, but all you really need to know is: most wins = most likely to become tournament champions. The competition ultimately comes to a head on ‘Super Saturday’, when every game of the final round is played on the same fateful day (queue an unbearable amount of brown leather brogues paired with blue jeans at your local pub).
This year, France are the favourites to win, with Antoine Dupont, their star player, looking to carry the team to a Grand Slam (zero losses). Wales enter the tournament following several difficult seasons with many key players retiring, hoping not to get the ‘Wooden Spoon’ (zero victories!). Ireland, as always, will prove a strong presence within the tournament, although perhaps won’t retain their usual high position this year due to many aging players. Scotland and Italy will most likely remain in the mid-table, but we can never fully rule out an unexpected win or two!
Coming off the back of a successful Autumn Nations campaign, the England rugby team are in a strong position to do well this tournament. Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, has assembled a squad with a brilliant mix of reliable experience, and young, exciting players. Crucially, England’s matchup against Ireland is a home fixture this year, increasing the likelihood of a victory against one of the tougher sides. It’s the final game against France that is going to prove difficult. Facing the favourites of the tournament in Paris will not be an easy feat. Let’s hope they can do it.
Now, where can we, as Bristol dwellers, enjoy the tournament this year?
There are numerous hotspots around the city televising the games each weekend. A great option for students is Steam: located just next to Clifton Down train station, the student-favourite is televising all the games – just make sure to book a table early! The White Harte just off Park Street is showing each match on big screens and is a good one if you’re looking for a fun, busy atmosphere. If you’re located in Clifton, you might choose to view the games at Racks Bar and Kitchen (but be wary of expensive pints!). Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol Bears, is also televising the games at their huge sports bar – making it very well suited to large matchday crowds! Other great options include...
- Bambalam
- Bristol Beer Factory
- King Street Brew House
- The Old Fish Market
- New Bristol Brewery
- The Whitmore Tap
On the other hand, if you’re more of a homebody, you can easily watch each game from the comfort of your own sofa. ITV1 and BBC One are broadcasting all the matches between them this year, which luckily means free viewing for us!
No matter how you choose to watch the games this year, make sure that you do - or at least see if you enjoy them. The Six Nations unites rugby fans all over the country each year, and it’s a brilliant excuse to get out and socialise, form cheeky rivalries between friends, and shake off those Winter blues.
Will you be watching the Guinness Six Nations this year?
Featured image: Unsplash / Chris Robert
