The Six Nations competition features a never-ending series of rugby matches, with thousands of people flocking to watch the action with Six Nations tickets.
During our golden age of sports entertainment and rugby, the Six Nations Cup has produced many heroes who are revered and loved by fans around the world.
They each built their reputation by showing off their outstanding rugby skills while wearing their national team uniforms.
They weren’t just players. They were icons who helped shape the game, capturing fans’ imaginations with their unique style and personality.
Let’s take a look at some of these cult figures who have left an indelible mark on Championship history. Unsurprisingly, they were all forwards.
Sebastien Chaval, France
Sebastian Chaval was widely respected for his physical prowess and rugged good looks on the pitch.
With his flowing mane, bushy beard and devastating tackling, he became the face of French rugby, earning him the nickname “L’Homme des Cavernes” (“The Cave Man”). His explosive power, fearless style and off-the-field persona added to his mythic status. Whether inspiring awe with his bone-crushing strikes or captivating fans with his enigmatic demeanor, Chaval’s status is legendary.
He was a beloved figure across Europe and among everyone who had tickets to the Six Nations.
Martin Castrogiovanni, Italy
Martin Castrogiovanni won an incredible 119 caps, but it may be his larger-than-life personality that he will be remembered for. His signature beard and long hair may have made him look like a cuddly bear, but they belied his ferocity in the scrum.
Castrogiovanni embodied the spirit of Italian rugby during its most difficult times. Off the pitch, his adventures, including partying with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Las Vegas, added to his legend.
Whether it was his pragmatic approach on the pitch or his questionable antics off it, Castrogiovanni remains an unforgettable figure in Italians’ memories – perhaps even more so now that he is a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
John Hayes, Ireland
John Hayes, nicknamed “The Bull”, was a fixture of the Irish scrum for many years. Unlike some of the other players featured here, his humble nature endeared him to the fans.
Despite his massive size, Hayes was known for his work ethic, humility and dedication to the team. His contribution to Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam winning campaign is a testament to his importance to the team.
After retiring in 2011, he maintained a humble demeanour, often preferring a quiet life on his farm in County Limerick.
Dodi Weir, Scotland
The late Dodi Weir’s charming personality and imposing figure made him a beloved figure throughout Scottish rugby and beyond.
A lock who played with joy and passion, Weir was known for his incredible off-roading and running. Nevertheless, his penchant for humour endeared him to a wider audience when Living with Lions was released following his 1997 tour of South Africa.
His battle with motor neurone disease and the successful fundraising he led have solidified his status as one of rugby’s true gentlemen, earning him the respect of everyone beyond those who have a Six Nations ticket.
Weir’s legacy – Scotland and Wales now compete for a trophy in his name – is one of lightheartedness and remarkable courage in the face of tragedy.
Joe Marler, UK
Joe Marler is known for his unique humor, colorful interviews, and quirky social media presence. His career has been marked by standout moments and headline-grabbing antics (often both on the pitch).
He retired from Test rugby more than once but was tempted back again, as successive British hierarchy held him in such high regard. Despite the controversy, Marler’s free-spirited talent, leadership and scrum prowess solidified his cult status in the sport.
Andy Powell, Wales
The infamous 2010 golf buggy incident, in which he was caught driving on the M4 after celebrating a famous Championship win over Scotland, cemented Andy Powell’s place as a mainstay of Welsh rugby character.
In fact, these unfortunate incidents and others off the rugby field have obscured the dynamic talent of the back-rower and his genuine passion for the game. But once he was off the pitch, it was Powell’s unique charm and adventures, such as his move to Mercer RFC and his (uniquely celebrated) coaching of Brecon to the WRU National Plate title, that put him in the spotlight.
England’s tough start to the 2025 Six Nations
Steve Borthwick’s side face a tough first three games at home to France and rivals Scotland after England travel to Ireland for the first round of the 2025 Six Nations Championship.
Officials confirmed the fixtures on Saturday. France will face Wales in the opening game on January 31, Scotland will face Italy a day later, and Ireland, aiming for back-to-back titles this year, will face England in Dublin.
England fans will then be able to buy tickets for the Six Nations Cup tie at home to Italy on March 9, before the tournament concludes in Wales six days later.
It will be the first time the two teams have met in the final since Wales won the trophy 30-3 over England in 2013.
Scotland travel to Twickenham on February 22nd to take on old rivals England in a bid to make it five wins in a row, something they have never achieved before. They will conclude their campaign in France on March 15th.
The tournament will start and end a week earlier, with the first two rounds taking place on consecutive weekends before a two-week break for the third set of matches.
There will be a further 14-day break before the season concludes with Rounds 4 and 5.
Complete fixture
Round 1
January 31: France vs Wales (20:15)
February 1: Scotland vs Italy (14:15)
February 1: Ireland vs England (16:45)
Round 2
February 8: Italy vs Wales (14:15)
February 8: England vs France (16:45)
February 9: Scotland vs Ireland (15:00)
Round 3
22 February: Wales v Ireland (14:15)
22 February: England vs Scotland (16:45)
February 23: Italy vs France (15:00)
Round 4
March 8: Ireland vs France (14:15)
March 8: Scotland v Wales (16:45)
March 9: England vs Italy (15:00)
Round 5
March 16: Italy vs Ireland (14:15)
March 16: Wales v England (16:45)
March 16: France vs Scotland (20:00)
