The Six Nations starts on Friday and the annual jamboree between the top rugby nations in the northern hemisphere isn't short of storylines for the 2025 edition.

Few without a pulse cannot fail to be moved by the prospect of a French side cutting a swathe throughout northern Europe in the springtime.

Ahead of the opening round of action in the 2025 Six Nations, we run through all the teamsheets. The action gets underway as Antoine Dupont marks his return to the Championship alongside Toulouse teammate Romain Ntamack as France look to kickstart their tournament on a high note against Wales on Friday evening.

In two month’s time the 2025 Six Nations will conclude with the traditional Super Saturday but this weekend it starts with what Welsh fans might be calling Fingers Crossed Friday. That distant

Latest news with champions Ireland set to name side for opener against England - Interim boss Simon Easterby faces a key call at fly half, with Scotland and Italy also set to reveal their line-ups tod

France captain Antoine Dupont said Toulouse's thrashing of Leicester in the Champions Cup was the perfect warm-up for the Six Nations.

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.

Les Bleus are in must-win territory as they begin another Six Nations campaign with big consequences for head coach Fabien Galthie in particular

Antoine Dupont returns to Six Nations after a successful Rugby Sevens stint, aiming to lead France to victory. Having skipped last year's contest, he is eager to capitalize on a victorious autumn series.

Dupont links up with Toulouse colleague Romain Ntamack as his half-back partner, and there is a start for Pau wing Theo Attissogbe.

Dupont is returning to the championship after missing the 2024 edition to prepare for rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics. Read more at straitstimes.com.

England legends Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio have backed France to come out on top ahead of the 2025 Six Nations. Les Bleus were well beaten by Ireland, the eventual champions, on the opening weekend of last year’s championship, and would go on to finish runners-up, accumulating three wins and a draw from their five contests.