The 2026 Six Nations tournament has kicked off with England and France showing strong performances as potential title contenders. France, the reigning champions, convincingly defeated Ireland in the first match of the tournament held in Paris. Meanwhile, England also displayed dominance by defeating Wales at their home ground in Twickenham, showcasing a powerful squad eager to reclaim the championship title after previous disappointments.

In an unexpected outcome, Italy managed to secure a win over Scotland, adding an element of surprise to the opening weekend's results. This upset not only highlights the competitive nature of the tournament but also sets a thrilling tone for the matches ahead. As teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans can anticipate a highly competitive environment with significant implications for national pride and rugby standings.

For viewers in the UK, all matches will be broadcast on free-to-air television, with ITV showing ten of the fifteen matches and BBC covering the rest. This year marks a notable change in broadcasting, as advertisers will interrupt live action during England's matches, a first for rugby in the UK. This introduction of advertising during live sports may influence viewer experiences and the overall presenting of the tournament, elevating expectations amid exciting rugby action.