From the rising stars of the U20s Championship, the unmissable battles in the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, to the grand stage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the hotly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour, this year is set to captivate fans like never before. Here’s your guide to the key events to look forward to in what could be one of the most thrilling years in rugby history.
U20 Six Nations: The future of rugby
The U20 Six Nations kicks off the year, with an ever-intriguing meeting between Ireland and England on Thursday 30 January. This competition offers a glimpse into the future of rugby, showcasing the next generation of stars who could soon grace the senior stage. Already we’ve seen some of last year’s competitors capped at senior level, including England prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour. England will look to defend their 2024 title, but challengers such as France and Ireland will be eager to topple them. Watch for standout young players who may make a swift transition to senior squads in the summer.
Guinness Men’s Six Nations: Rugby’s Greatest Championship
The Guinness Men’s Six Nations begins on Friday 31 January, with Wales travelling to Paris to face the high-flying French. It promises five weekends of intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. The stakes are higher than ever, with players eyeing British and Irish Lions selection. Scotland will aim for a winning start at home to Italy, while Ireland welcome England to Dublin looking to avenge their Grand Slam denial in London in 2024.
Adding to the excitement will be the release of the second season of Six Nations: Full Contact in the run-up to the Championship!
Guinness Women’s Six Nations: A stage set for greatness
The women’s Championship takes centre stage from 22 March to 26 April, setting the scene for the Women’s Rugby World Cup later in the year. England, the reigning champions, will aim to continue their dominance, but France and a rapidly improving Ireland team could challenge their supremacy.
This year’s tournament will see a greater focus on player profiles and behind-the-scenes access, making it a must-watch for established fans and newcomers alike. England v France on 26 April – aka Super Saturday - is a match that could determine the Championship.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Going global
The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in August, hosted in England for the first time since 2010. This promises to be a landmark event for women’s rugby, with the sport’s top nations vying for global supremacy.
Will New Zealand retain their crown, or can England’s Red Roses, bolstered by home advantage, claim the title at last? Keep an eye on emerging nations such as Fiji and Japan, whose exciting styles of play could upset the established order.
British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia: A rugby spectacle
June through August brings the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, where the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales will unite to take on the Wallabies. With the last series in South Africa decided by the narrowest of margins, anticipation for this tour is sky-high as Ireland coach Andy Farrell looks to continue his fantastic track record with the tourists.
Key matchups include the second Test in Melbourne on 26 July, which could prove pivotal in the three-match series. Expect thrilling rugby, passionate crowds, and unforgettable moments as the Lions aim to repeat their Australian heroics of 2013.
Autumn Nations Series: The grand finale
The year will conclude with the Autumn Nations Series, where the northern hemisphere’s best host southern hemisphere giants. As witnessed back in November, teams go into the series with plenty to prove, and bragging rights is only part of the motivation.
We know that in rugby a lot can happen in a year. Will the Springboks still be the dominant force in the world game? Will Ireland continue at the forefront of European rugby, or will dark horses such as Scotland finally make the breakthrough their fans have so often hoped was near? Will it be the Wallabies out for revenge after the Lions series, or the Home Nations? The answers await in November.
Here’s to a year of unforgettable international rugby moments. Let the games begin!
