The Six Nations starts on Friday and the annual jamboree between the top rugby nations in the northern hemisphere isn't short of storylines for the 2025 edition.

Few without a pulse cannot fail to be moved by the prospect of a French side cutting a swathe throughout northern Europe in the springtime.

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As always, there has been some pre-tournament tinkering with the rules. The Six Nations will adopt the 20-minute red cards that were trialled during the autumn, although referees can still send a player off permanently for deliberate and dangerous acts of foul play.

Latest news with champions Ireland set to name side for opener against England - Interim boss Simon Easterby faces a key call at fly half, with Scotland and Italy also set to reveal their line-ups tod

Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes, hoping Les Bleus can win the tournament on the back of a perfect autumn series.

France captain Antoine Dupont said Toulouse's thrashing of Leicester in the Champions Cup was the perfect warm-up for the Six Nations.

In two month’s time the 2025 Six Nations will conclude with the traditional Super Saturday but this weekend it starts with what Welsh fans might be calling Fingers Crossed Friday. That distant

Antoine Dupont returns to Six Nations after a successful Rugby Sevens stint, aiming to lead France to victory. Having skipped last year's contest, he is eager to capitalize on a victorious autumn series.

France face their trickier biennial Six Nations itinerary in oddly numbered years, with England in Twickenham and Ireland in the Aviva Stadium. Of their six titles since the expansion to the Six Nations, France have won only one championship in odd years.

Dupont is returning to the championship after missing the 2024 edition to prepare for rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Les Bleus are in must-win territory as they begin another Six Nations campaign with big consequences for head coach Fabien Galthie in particular