2026 Six Nations Fantasy: Round 1 Guide & Predicted Stars
As the chill of winter gives way to the roar of rugby passion across Europe, the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations is set to ignite. For fantasy enthusiasts, this championship isn't just about watching world-class athletes clash—it's about building a dream team that scores big. Everythiiing.com brings you the ultimate 2026 Six Nations Fantasy guide, focusing on Round 1 tips, predicted stars, and strategies to give you an edge in your league. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a newcomer to fantasy rugby, this breakdown will help you navigate the draft and maximize points from the opening fixtures.
What is Six Nations Fantasy?
Six Nations Fantasy, powered by the official Rugby's Greatest Championship platform, transforms the annual tournament into an interactive game of skill and foresight. Launched alongside the Guinness Men's Six Nations, it allows fans to select a 15-player squad from the competing nations—England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales—mirroring a real rugby union team. Points are awarded for tries, assists, tackles, and other on-pitch heroics, with bonuses for captains and multipliers in key categories.
The 2026 edition introduces fresh twists, including enhanced live scoring via the official app and integration with social features for trash-talking your mates. With the championship kicking off in early February, Round 1 features blockbuster clashes: England vs. Italy, France vs. Ireland, and Scotland vs. Wales. Budget management is crucial—allocate 100 million credits wisely to balance stars and sleepers. Our guide draws from historical data, player form, and expert analysis to spotlight opportunities.
Round 1 Preview: Fixtures and Key Battles
England vs. Italy: Twickenham's Traditional Opener
England, under a revitalized coaching setup, host Italy at Twickenham in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. The Azzurri have evolved into a gritty side, but England's forward pack, led by Maro Itoje, should dominate. Fantasy managers should eye England's backline for explosive points—think tries from Ollie Lawrence in the centres. Italy's Paolo Garbisi at fly-half could rack up points if they keep it close, but expect England to pull away late.
France vs. Ireland: A Clash of Titans in Marseille
The marquee matchup sees defending champions France welcome Ireland to the sun-kissed Stade Vélodrome. France's flair, spearheaded by Antoine Dupont's successor at scrum-half (watch for Baptiste Couilloud), will test Ireland's ironclad defense. Bundee Aki remains a tackling machine for the Irish, while Damian Penaud's wing wizardry could yield double-digit fantasy hauls. Weather in Marseille might favor France's open play, making this a captaincy dilemma.
Scotland vs. Wales: Cardiff's Millennium Magic?
Wrapping up Round 1, Scotland travel to Wales in a fixture rich with Celtic rivalry. Scotland's Finn Russell is the X-factor at 10, capable of game-changing kicks and passes. Wales, rebuilding post their 2025 struggles, rely on George North's experience on the wing. This could be a low-scoring grind, favoring forwards like Scotland's Jamie Ritchie for breakdown steals.
Fantasy Tips for Round 1 Success
Captain Choices: Who to Double Down On?
Captains earn double points, so precision is key. Our top pick is Damian Penaud (France)—his pace and finishing make him a Round 1 lock against Ireland's high line. Priced at around 12.5 million credits, he's worth the investment. Alternatives include Maro Itoje (England, 11m) for his lineout dominance and tackle count, or Finn Russell (Scotland, 10.8m) if you anticipate a kicking fest in Cardiff. Avoid over-relying on one nation; diversify to hedge against upsets.
Budget Picks: Hidden Gems Under 7 Million
Stretch your budget with these undervalued talents. Italy's Tommaso Menoncello (6.5m, centres) has breakout potential against England, blending defense with offloads. For Ireland, Cian Healy (5.8m, prop) offers reliable scrummaging points. Scotland's Rory Darge (6.2m, flanker) is a tackling beast, perfect for bonus points. These picks allow room for premium stars without sacrificing depth—aim for a bench with versatile cover for injuries.
Predicted Stars: Players Set to Shine
Based on pre-season form, injury updates, and statistical models, here are our Round 1 MVPs:
- Ollie Lawrence (England, Centres, 9.2m): Post his 2025 Lions tour, Lawrence's carrying power could net 20+ points. Expect multiple breaks against Italy.
- Antoine Dupont (France, Scrum-half, 13m): The maestro returns from a minor knock—his box kicks and snipes will torment Ireland's back row.
- Huw Jones (Scotland, Centres, 8.5m): Jones thrives in derbies; pair him with Russell for combo points.
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland, Flanker, 9.8m): A turnover king, van der Flier's work rate shines in big games.
- Ange Capuozzo (Italy, Full-back, 7.8m): Italy's counter-attacker could exploit England's rush defense.
These selections factor in the championship's triple-threat scoring (attack, defense, discipline), with historical Round 1 averages showing wings and number 10s outperforming.
Advanced Strategies for the 2026 Season
Beyond Round 1, sustainability wins leagues. Monitor the official app for real-time transfers—unlimited changes between rounds let you pivot based on performances. Focus on nations with favorable early schedules; France and England play home games first, boosting their players' minutes. Avoid the trap of national bias—Italy's rising stars have delivered surprises in recent years. Use data from past tournaments: Tries account for 40% of points, so prioritize attackers, but don't neglect set-piece specialists for consistency.
Join community forums on the Six Nations site for trades and debates. With the women's and under-20 championships running parallel, cross-pollinate insights—emerging talents often debut in the men's squad. Hydrate, track lineups via Union Websites, and remember: fantasy rugby is as much about passion as points.
In summary, Round 1 of the 2026 Six Nations Fantasy offers a tantalizing start. Load up on Penaud, snag budget forwards, and captain wisely to surge up the standings. Follow Everythiiing.com for weekly updates, and may your team conquer Europe. What's your bold pick? Share in the comments.
