Six Nations news: Five players to watch in 2025

There is a whole host of talent going toe-to-toe in this year's Six Nations, with every squad having multiple world-class players at their disposal. 

From the experience of Antoine Dupont to the new kid on the block in Henry Pollock, each nation has a different dynamic to it and players who can make a difference. 

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Elliott selects one player from each squad that you simply need to watch. 

England – Henry Pollock 

The initial reaction to Steve Borthwick’s squad announcement was skeptical to say the least, but the late injury-enforced inclusion of Henry Pollock will go a long way to improving that.

Despite only recently celebrating his 20th birthday, fans and coaches alike have been waxing lyrical about the back-rower, who has shown levels of quality and maturity far beyond his years. 

He is a consistent starter for reigning Premiership winners Northampton Saints, also having been one of their best players so far this season. 

While it is unclear whether he is going to get any minutes during the Six Nations, or if he has simply been brought in to sample the environment, Pollock is undoubtedly one of the best young talents in England now. 

Should he get on the pitch at any point, fans will be intrigued to see whether he can elevate his impressive club form to Test level. 

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France – Antoine Dupont 

While this list wasn’t meant to just include the best player from each team, sometimes exceptions have to be made. 

As the best player in the world at the moment, Dupont is one of those players that you need to watch out for. 

The Toulouse scrum-half has absolutely everything in his locker and is certainly one of the most technically gifted rugby players of all time. 

France should consider themselves as favourites for the Six Nations, and Dupont is the reason for this. 

Despite them having an exceptional squad all-round, the focus is always on their number nine, which is a testament to how good he is. 

To any new rugby fans reading this, watch him and you will fall in love with the game. 

Ireland – Josh van der Flier 

A physical flanker, Van der Flier may not be the most beautiful player to watch, but he is extremely effective at what he does. 

He won the World Player of the Year award in 2022 and, despite a slight drop-off since then, is still one of the best in the world and a crucial player for Ireland. 

Having recently been nominated as the Player of the Series for the Autumn Internationals, it will be interesting to see if he can keep up his form. 

Despite it being a disappointing autumn for his country, Josh delivered a masterclass at the breakdown and was instrumental in both defence and offence. 

A tireless worker who gives his all, he could well be the glue that keeps Ireland together in their quest for a third title in a row. 

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Scotland – Arron Reed 

Another late addition, Sale Sharks winger Arron Reed comes in as a replacement for Dylan Richardson for Scotland.

Reed is a pace monster and, with him being unlikely to start, could come off the bench and cause some serious havoc for Scotland late on in games. 

A disappointing start to the season has left him benched for Sale in place of Tom O’Flaherty, but he could still be a real weapon for the Scots. 

Underestimate him at your peril – Reed could end up being the difference between winning and losing in this Six Nations. 

Wales – Tomos Williams 

Possibly the only player in the Wales squad who will be on the British & Irish Lions tour in the summer, Williams has had a stellar season for Gloucester so far. 

An exciting player who is cut from the same cloth as Dupont, Tomos will need to be the focal point for his nation if they are to get any wins on the board. 

Some are predicting Wales to lose all five games but, should the scrum-half put in a few good performances, they could well upset the odds. 

He is also one to watch for pure entertainment value, because he is likely to see plenty of the ball and is bound to be at the centre of the action for large portions. 

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Italy – Ange Capuozzo 

Another player who is their country’s best player, Capuozzo leads the line from full-back with marauding runs from deep most of the time. 

With the agility and speed to take on entire defences at a time, the enjoyment of watching him is unmatched. 

Italy might be expected to lose every game, but the Wales clash especially is a great chance for Ange to shine. 

As a key cog in the Toulouse machine, it will be interesting to see him in a role that is freer and more geared towards him doing it on his own. 

He played a game at scrum-half for his club, so there is always a chance that Italy try something different and attempt to utilise him there, where he may have more of an impact on the game. 

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