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.

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.

France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday the return of captain Antoine Dupont brings an "aura" to the team before they embark on this year's Six Nations. "It's quite a magical competition," former France captain Galthie said.

The loudest stadium in the Six Nations has just got louder after Wales was allowed to close the roof of Principality Stadium for the next two years.

Wales will play all their international fixtures at the Principality Stadium with the roof closed for the next two years after a change of Six Nations protocol.

Max Boyce used to say God preferred the Principality Stadium to be left open so “he can watch his favourites play”. But then Warren Gatland arrived and said “to hell with that”.

Hooker Jamie George will miss England's Six Nations opener against Ireland while scrum-half Alex Mitchell is a doubt with a knee problem.

Jamie George, replaced as England captain by Maro Itoje last week, has been ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Ireland, with scrumhalf Alex Mitchell also a doubt after the squad was hit by a raft of injuries.

Warren Gatland insisted his Wales side should not be ruled out of contention for this year's Six Nations title, despite a dismal 2024.

Coach Warren Gatland is counting on some returning old heads to lead his young Wales squad in the Six Nations and create a siege mentality following a team record run of 12 defeats in a row that has plunged the country's rugby into crisis.