Here is our combined XV.
The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicks off tomorrow with France hosting Wales at the Stade France (8.15 pm), before Scotland welcome Italy at Murrayfield (2.15 pm) and England travel to meet Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (4.45 pm) on Saturday.
The cream of Europe’s crop will be on show – minus a few notable absentees – in a tournament that delivers year on year and has not lost any of its prestige or sheen as it enters its 26th edition.
Ahead of its initiation, we have selected our combined best XV from Ireland, France, England, Italy, Wales, and Scotland.
SportsJOE’s Combined Six Nations XV:
Loosehead – Andrew Porter (Ireland)
In the form of his life at the minute, and scrummaging better than ever.
Hooker – Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Just back last weekend from a devastating ACL injury, but we saw enough to sneak him in ahead of France’s Peato Mauvaka.
Tight head – Uini Atonio (France)
The 34-year-old is getting on in years but still offers a devastating impact on the pitch.
Lock – Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
A perpetually in-form player, and a game-changer in every sense of the word.
Lock – Maro Itoje (England)
The man you love to be with but hate to be against. A test-match animal.
Blindside flanker – Gregory Alldritt (France)
We are cheating slightly here but we had to move the French maestro to the more unfamiliar position of No 6 to accommodate both himself and Caelan Doris.
Openside flanker – Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Not far off his World Player of the Year winning form.
Number eight – Caelan Doris (Ireland)
One of the most rounded players Ireland has ever produced, and one of the first names on this team sheet.
Scrum-half – Antoine Dupont (France)
The world’s best.
Out-half – Finn Russell (Scotland)
Still underappreciated by some. Performs so many high-level skills with seeming ease.
Left wing – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
16 tries in 16 games so far this season for the 21-year-old, and more to come this Six Nations.
Inside centre – Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Had a dip in form in the Autumn Nations Series, but with Sione Tuipulotu injured, he is best option.
Outside centre – Huw Jones (Scotland)
With Gael Fickou out, it was a 50/50 call between Jones and Garry Ringrose. Two class acts and could have gone either way.
Right wing – Damian Penaud (France)
Scored six tries in his last outing for Bordeaux, but will miss the opening game against Wales.
Fullback – Hugo Keenan (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn’s stock has risen significantly over the last year, but Keenan remains king.
