The 2026 Six Nations Championship concluded in mid-March with France clinching their second consecutive title after a dramatic final match against England. France secured the championship with a last-minute penalty, narrowly beating England 48-46. Ireland, who were repeat Triple Crown winners, finished second in the standings, just two table points behind France. Notable upsets in the tournament included Italy’s first-ever win over England and Scotland’s record-breaking victory over France. Wales also ended a 15-match losing streak in the championship by defeating Italy on the final day.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the Super Rugby Pacific competition is well underway, with ESPN providing extensive coverage. The Hurricanes are currently leading the table, having scored over 50 points in multiple matches. The Queensland Reds experienced a significant loss to the Hurricanes, marking a “massive wake-up call” for the team. The arrival of Vern Cotter as the new coach for the Reds is anticipated to bring a much-needed hard edge to the team, especially in crucial championship moments. Major League Rugby (MLR) has also launched “Sunday Night Rugby” in partnership with ESPN, offering an elevated broadcast experience that includes pre- and post-match analysis. This initiative aims to position MLR alongside other major U.S. sports properties. Despite some teams folding, the league has expanded its broadcast reach, with select games also airing on ESPN2.
The Women’s Six Nations Championship is set to commence on April 11th, with unprecedented global accessibility through various broadcast partners. In North America, fans can follow the action on Peacock (USA & Canada) and ESPN (LATAM & Caribbean). The Pacific Four Series for women’s rugby will also take place in April, with the USA Women’s Eagles hosting Australia, Canada, and New Zealand across three consecutive weekends in Sacramento, Kansas City, and Chicago. This series is seen as a significant step in building towards the USA’s hosting of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, respectively.
