France Win the Six Nations With the Very Last Kick of a 13-Try Epic

The 2026 Six Nations saved its very best for the final minute of its final match. At the Stade de France on 14 March, hosts France edged England 48-46, with fullback Thomas Ramos calmly slotting a long-range penalty after the clock had gone red, as reported by ESPN. The kick sealed back-to-back championships for Les Bleus.

What a game it was for anyone who loves attacking rugby. The two sides shared 13 tries between them, according to Sky Sports, with flying French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey crossing four times. England were magnificent too, running in seven tries through Tom Roebuck, Cadan Murley, Ollie Chessum (twice, including a stunning intercept), Alex Coles, Marcus Smith and Tommy Freeman, whose brilliant finish with three minutes left looked to have won it.

England captain Maro Itoje found real pride in defeat. "We are disappointed to lose this one but showed the spirit of this team," he said, per Sky Sports. "I truly believe we are going places." France defence coach Shaun Edwards, meanwhile, told Sky Sports he "had a feeling the goal kicking would be the difference today."

Spare a thought for Ireland. Earlier that same day they had beaten Scotland 43-21 in Dublin to lift the Triple Crown, and as The Irish Times followed live, they sat on top of the table right up until Ramos struck the final blow. They finished second by just two table points.

Bielle-Biarrey ended the tournament with nine tries, a new record for a single championship, and was later named Player of the Championship, as noted by Rugby World. Still only 22, he is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players anywhere in the world.

For young players watching from New Zealand, the lesson from Paris is a beauty: play right to the final whistle. England led with the clock nearly done. Ireland thought the trophy was within reach. And France, who never stopped believing, found one last swing of the boot when it mattered most. That is Test rugby at its absolute finest, and the 2027 tournament cannot come soon enough.