LONDRA – Il “Sei Nazioni 2016” (122° edizione del torneo) si aprirà il prossimo 6 febbraio 2016 con la sfida tra Francia e Italia. Seguiranno nello stesso giorno Scozia-Inghilterra e Irlanda-Galles. L’Italia il 14 febbraio affronterà poi l’Inghilterra in casa. Sempre in casa, a Roma, l’Italia giocherà contro la Scozia il 27 febbraio. Poi due trasferte: il 12 marzo a Dublino contro l’Irlanda e il 19 marzo a Cardiff contro il Galles. Nella scorsa edizione ha vinto l’Irlanda e l’Italia, battuta la Scozia, è riuscita ad evitare il cucchiaio di legno. L’Irlanda ha vinto 21 volte il Sei Nazioni. L’Inghilterra 36. La Francia 25. Il Galles 37 e la Scozia 22. L’Italia, che ha partecipato a sole 16 edizioni, non ha mai vinto.
Tutte e 15 le partite del “Sei Nazioni 2016” saranno trasmesse in diretta e in esclusiva in chiaro su DMAX Canale 52 del digitale terrestre, canale 136 di SKY (+ 1 al 137) e canale 28 di Tivù Sat. Non solo, perché la grande novità è la conferma che i cinque match degli Azzurri saranno proposti anche in diretta simultanea su Deejay TV – Canale 9 del digitale terrestre.
Un terzo dei giocatori di Italrugby convocati per il torneo 6 Nazioni è esordiente. Della lista di trenta rugbisti ufficializzata dal ct Jacques Brunel ben dieci sono alla loro prima esperienza nella nazionale azzurra. Questi i trenta atleti convocati dalla Squadra Nazionale . Piloni: Martin Castrogiovanni, Dario Chistolini, Lorenzo Cittadini, Andrea Lovotti, Matteo Zanusso. Tallonatori: Ornel Gega, Leonardo Ghiraldini. Seconde linee: Valerio Bernabo’, George Fabio Biagi, Marco Fuser. Flanker/n.8: Francesco Minto, Sergio Parisse (capitano), Jacopo Sarto, Abraham Steyn, Andries Van Schalkwyk, Alessandro Zanni. Mediani di mischia: Edoardo Gori, Guglielmo Palazzani. Mediani d’apertura: Carlo Canna, Edoardo Padovani. Centri/Ali/Estremi: Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Michele Campagnaro, Tommaso Castello, Gonzalo Garcia, Kelly Haimona, Luke McLean, David Odiete, Andrea Pratichetti, Leonardo Sarto. Non considerati per infortunio: Tommaso Allan, Tommaso D’Apice, Angelo Esposito, Joshua Furno, Quintin Geldenhuys, Andrea Manici, Andrea Masi, Luca Morisi, Michele Rizzo e Marcello Violi.
Questo il calendario completo del “Sei Nazioni 2016”:
I giornata
Sabato 6 Febbraio ore 15.25 Francia v Italia ore 16.50 Scozia v Inghilterra
Domenica 7 Febbraio ore 15.00 Irlanda v Galles
II giornata
Sabato 13 Febbraio ore 15.25 Francia v Irlanda ore 16.50 Galles v Scozia
Domenica 14 Febbraio ore 15.00 Italia v Inghilterra
III giornata
Venerdì 26 Febbraio ore 20.05 Galles v Francia
Sabato 27 Febbraio ore 15.25 Italia v Scozia ore 16.50 Inghilterra v Irlanda
IV giornata
Sabato 12 Marzo ore 13.30 Irlanda v Italia ore 16.00 Inghilterra v Galles
Domenica 13 Marzo ore 15.00 Scozia v Francia
V giornata
Sabato 19 Marzo ore 14.30 Galles v Italia ore 17.00 Irlanda v Scozia ore 21.00 Francia v Inghilterra
Le foto storiche del Sei Nazioni (Lapresse):
Stade de France
Greig Laidlaw. A goal kicker and playmaker able to boss a match in the best of Gallic traditions, without losing any of his gritty Scottish roots. As heartbroken as anyone at Scotland’s last-gasp and controversial 35-34 defeat to Australia in the World Cup quarter-final. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read Gareth Fuller/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 06-02-2015 of Wales’ Rhys Webb. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Head coach Gatland has chosen a 37-man squad that impressively mixes tried and tested names with some exciting fresh talent, although it should also be noted that Wales are without injured key men like full-back Leigh Halfpenny, scrum-half Rhys Webb and centre Scott Williams. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read Joe Giddens/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of (From left to right) Scotland head coach Vern Cotter, France head coach Guy Noves, England head coach Eddie Jones, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Italy head coach Jacques Brunel during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But perhaps for the first time in Six Nations history, there are possibly five countries holding genuine title aspirations, which suggests a thrilling battle to secure silverware See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 13-02-2015 of Sean Lamont. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. For too long Sean Lamont has been fed up seeing Scotland run out to face their rivals with defeat already etched across their faces before a ball is even kicked. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Scotland.. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 23-02-2013 of a general view of the Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Itlay PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Stadiums. Photo credit should read Anthony Devlin/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 26-09-2015 of Wales’ Scott Williams PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Head coach Gatland has chosen a 37-man squad that impressively mixes tried and tested names with some exciting fresh talent, although it should also be noted that Wales are without injured key men like full-back Leigh Halfpenny, scrum-half Rhys Webb and centre Scott Williams. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of (From left to right) Wales captain Sam Warburton, Scotland captain Greg Laidlaw, Ireland captain Rory Best, England captain Dylan Hartley, France captain Guilhem Guirado and Italy captain Sergio Parisse with the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But perhaps for the first time in Six Nations history, there are possibly five countries holding genuine title aspirations, which suggests a thrilling battle to secure silverware. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of Wales captain Sam Warburton walks off dejected after the Rugby World Cup game at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But Gatland has selected 31 players who were involved in last autumn’s World Cup, a tournament that saw Wales beat England, Fiji and Uruguay to progress from the tournament’s toughest group, before suffering a quarter-final exit when South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez’s late try delivered a knockout blow. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 16-03-2013 of Wales celebrate winning the RBS Six Nations trophy at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Wales were crowned Six Nations champions – in Grand Slam fashion on both occasions – immediately following the 2007 and 2011 World Cup campaigns, so with last year’s global spectacular still fresh in the memory, it suggests another major push for silverware can be expected. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of Wales captain Sam Warburton (left) and head coach Warren Gatland pose with the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Wales will hope that recent post-World Cup history can repeat itself in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 10-10-2015 of a general view of Twickenham Stadium. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Stadiums. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 15-03-2014 of a general view of the Millennium Stadium PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Stadiums. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 12-12-2015 of Ospreys Dan Biggar PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. The globe chuckled at Biggar’s tick-filled kicking routine at the start of the World Cup, but no one was laughing by the tournament’s close. Not even a bevvy of Youtube videos of his ‘Biggarena’ goal-kicking approach could embarrass a man by that point well and truly into his pinpoint groove. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-12-2015 of Maro Itoje, Saracens PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Future England captain material, and yet to win a Test cap. The Politics student was hugely unfortunate to miss the final cut for England’s World Cup squad, but has ploughed on undeterred in top form at Saracens. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read Paul Harding/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 16-01-2016 of Ulsters’ Stuart McCloskey (right) and Saracens’ Jamie George PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Ulster’s battering-ram centre has jumped from unknown raw talent to serious Test match contender in less than three years. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read Paul Harding/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 13-02-2015 of Sean Lamont. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. For too long Sean Lamont has been fed up seeing Scotland run out to face their rivals with defeat already etched across their faces before a ball is even kicked. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Scotland. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 18-03-2015 of Sergio Parisse, Italy PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. No matter how much Italy look to the future the Azzurri simply cannot do without Parisse’s timeless class. In a squad boasting 10 uncapped rookies the Stade Francais number eight remains the top story. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read Lynne Cameron/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 29-08-2015 of Ireland captain Paul O’Connell and his son Paddy after the World Cup Warm Up Match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Reigning champions Ireland go into battle without one of European rugby’s all-time greats after Paul O’Connell’s international retirement earlier this year, while injuries will deprive them of outstanding talent like Tommy Bowe, Iain Henderson and Peter O’Mahony. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Niall Carson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 29-08-2015 of Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny during the World Cup Warm Up Match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Head coach Gatland has chosen a 37-man squad that impressively mixes tried and tested names with some exciting fresh talent, although it should also be noted that Wales are without injured key men like full-back Leigh Halfpenny, scrum-half Rhys Webb and centre Scott Williams. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read Niall Carson/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial or promotional use without prior consent from IRFU. No alterations or doctoring. For further information please call +44 (0)115 8447447. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-02-2015 of Jacques Brunel, Italy head coach PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Italy, whose coach Jacques Brunel looks set to make way for Harlequins rugby director Conor O’Shea at the end of this season, appear off the pace, which leaves France, now led by long-time Toulouse chief Noves, with Guilhem Guirado replacing Thierry Dusautoir as skipper. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Lynne Cameron/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-01-2016 of Wales head coach Warren Gatland PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Wales boss Warren Gatland summed things up perfectly when he described this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship as having "a little bit of uncertainty" surrounding it. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 25-01-2016 of New England captain Dylan Hartley with head coach Eddie Jones (right) during a press conference at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Jones has already put a stamp on proceedings by naming seven uncapped players in his 33-man elite player squad, while also appointing serial offender Dylan Hartley, who has spent more than 50 weeks of his rugby career banned, as captain. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Simon Cooper/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-01-2016 of Head coach Vern Cotter PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Their opening two games – England at home, Wales in Cardiff – will set the tone for Vern Cotter’s men, but Scotland are serious dark horses this year in a tournament they have never previously won. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 20-11-2015 of Newly confirmed England coach Eddie Jones PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Two challengers – England and France – are under the direction of new head coaches in Eddie Jones and Guy Noves, respectively, while Ireland are chasing a Six Nations title hat-trick, which has never previously been accomplished. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Paul Harding/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 18-10-2015 of Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw (right) and John Hardie appear dejected after the Rugby World Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Wales, meanwhile, should be buoyed by a Six Nations trend of them winning a Grand Slam immediately after a World Cup (2007 and 2011), while Scotland, possibly still reeling from the horrible injustice that engulfed their World Cup exit in October, look in excellent shape. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Gareth Fuller/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 01-10-2015 of Guilhem Guirado, France PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Italy, whose coach Jacques Brunel looks set to make way for Harlequins rugby director Conor O’Shea at the end of this season, appear off the pace, which leaves France, now led by long-time Toulouse chief Noves, with Guilhem Guirado replacing Thierry Dusautoir as skipper. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
Toulouse head coach Guy Noves. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Two challengers – England and France – are under the direction of new head coaches in Eddie Jones and Guy Noves, respectively, while Ireland are chasing a Six Nations title hat-trick, which has never previously been accomplished. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 08-05-2015 of Harlequins’ Coach Conor O’Shea PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Italy, whose coach Jacques Brunel looks set to make way for Harlequins rugby director Conor O’Shea at the end of this season, appear off the pace, which leaves France, now led by long-time Toulouse chief Noves, with Guilhem Guirado replacing Thierry Dusautoir as skipper.See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Adam Davy/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-09-2015 of Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. As ever, fly-half Jonathan Sexton holds the tactical and operational controls, but for Ireland – and Wales – so much would appear to hinge on their opening weekend meeting in Dublin. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 18-03-2015 of Italy’s Sergio Parisse. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Stade Francais number eight Sergio Parisse has long been the team talisman, missing one Six Nations since 2004. He was absent in 2010 through injury. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read Lynne Cameron/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 15-03-2014 of Wales’ Jonathan Davies PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Wales have lost injured backs Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb for the tournament, but powerful centre Jonathan Davies is back after missing the World Cup and there is a tried and tested look to their pack, with players such as Sam Warburton, Alun-Wyn Jones and Taulupe Faletau leading the way. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 03-10-2015 of England’s Chris Robshaw (right) walks off the pitch dejected PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. It offers an immediate fierce examination for Australian Jones, who succeeded Stuart Lancaster in England’s coaching hot-seat following a World Cup debacle when the host nation suffered a pool stage exit and packed their bags with indecent haste. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Overview. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 15-02-2003 of Italy’s players celebrate their 30-22 victory over Wales during the RBS 6 Nations match at the Stadio Flaminio, Rome. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But there were 14 more defeats before their second victory, against Wales in the opening game in 2003. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read David Jones/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of New Zealand’s Julian Savea runs in to score his hat-trick try and his side’s sixth during the Rugby World Cup game at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. That record 62-13 defeat left French rugby with a serious bout of navel-gazing, but the good news for Noves is that it surely cannot get any worse for Les Bleus. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of England captain Dylan Hartley is interviewed during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. "We want a team with an uncompromising feel about it," said Jones, who has made the controversial decision of naming Dylan Hartley captain for the Six Nations. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 18-10-2015 of Ireland’s Ian Madigan leaves the pitch dejected after the final whistle of the Rugby World Cup match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. The 43-20 quarter-final defeat to Argentina denied Joe Schmidt’s men that elusive first World Cup last-four berth, Ireland struggling to reproduce their stellar form of the previous two years. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 24-02-2007 of Italy’s Alessandro Troncon celebrates scoring a try against Scotland with Conzalo Canale during the RBS 6 Nations match at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Their first away win came in 2007, in Edinburgh, when they finished fourth for the first time. Fourth (in 2007 and 2013) remains their best placing. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read Angus Blackburn/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-02-2015 of Italy’s captain, Sergio Parisse (centre) celebrates with their fans after the RBS Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. If that looked like heralding a new dawn, it was a false one as Italy the following year were whitewashed once more, and last season they avoided the same fate with only their second away win, again in Edinburgh. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read Lynne Cameron/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of Ireland captain Rory Best (left) and head coach Joe Schmidt pose with the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Now Ulster hooker Rory Best has taken the captaincy duties from Paul O’Connell, and Ireland must find a way to cope without the talismanic lock. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of France captain Guilhem Guirado (left) and head coach Guy Noves alongside the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. France enter a new era with Guy Noves at the helm and the angst-ridden Philippe Saint-Andre reign condemned to history. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-05-2015 of Ireland’s Luke Marshall PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Now though, the 6ft 3ins, 17stone McCloskey’s "freakish" size and "full package" skills have had team-mate Luke Marshall purring, and Ireland boss Joe Schmidt paying serious heed. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-08-2015 of Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But couple McCloskey’s rapid emergence with the return to fitness of Connacht battering-ram Robbie Henshaw and suddenly head coach Schmidt has a few extra midfield tricks. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Brian Lawless/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-05-2015 of Ireland’s Rob Kearney PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Henshaw himself has plenty of experience at 15, so all of a sudden Ireland boast tangible alternatives to stalwart full-back Rob Kearney. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of New Zealand’s Brodie Retallick scores his side’s first try of the game during the Rugby World Cup game at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. That record 62-13 defeat left French rugby with a serious bout of navel-gazing, but the good news for Noves is that it surely cannot get any worse for Les Bleus. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of France’s Thierry Dusautoir stands dejected after the final whistle of the Rugby World Cup game at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. That record 62-13 defeat left French rugby with a serious bout of navel-gazing, but the good news for Noves is that it surely cannot get any worse for Les Bleus. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-09-2015 of France’s Pascal Pape PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Noves seems set to oversee a Les Bleus rebuild with captain Thierry Dusautoir, the 80-times capped back-rower, lock forward Pascal Pape and fly-half Frederic Michalak having all retired from international rugby following the World Cup. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association without RWCL permission. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of Section 6 of RWC 2015 T&Cs at: http://bit.ly/1MPElTL Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-09-2015 of France’s Mathieu Bastareaud PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Bulldozing centre Mathieu Bastareaud was also omitted from Noves’ first squad, with the new coach planning for the long term as well as the short by naming eight uncapped players in his 31-man party. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association without RWCL permission. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of Section 6 of RWC 2015 T&Cs at: http://bit.ly/1MPElTL Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of England captain Dylan Hartley (left) and head coach Eddie Jones pose with the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Eddie Jones plans to lift England out of the lower tier of European rugby after leaving his players shocked over the nation???s lack of success since their finest hour in 2003. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, No commercial use without prior permission, please contact PA Images for further information: Tel: +44 (0) 115 8447447. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-09-2015 of France’s head coach Philippe Saint Andre PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. France enter a new era with Guy Noves at the helm and the angst-ridden Philippe Saint-Andre reign condemned to history. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 28-02-2015 of Italy’s Luca Morisi and Luke McLean celebrate after the RBS Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. If that looked like heralding a new dawn, it was a false one as Italy the following year were whitewashed once more, and last season they avoided the same fate with only their second away win, again in Edinburgh. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read Lynne Cameron/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 14-03-2015 of Ireland’s Jared Payne PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. While the fit-again Payne has long proved Schmidt’s first-choice outside centre, the 30-year-old is equally comfortable at full-back. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 18-10-2015 of Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Now though, the 6ft 3ins, 17stone McCloskey’s "freakish" size and "full package" skills have had team-mate Luke Marshall purring, and Ireland boss Joe Schmidt paying serious heed. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 05-09-2015 of Ireland’s Paul O’Connell (right), Mike Ross (centre) and Rory Best PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Now Ulster hooker Rory Best has taken the captaincy duties from Paul O’Connell, and Ireland must find a way to cope without the talismanic lock. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 15-02-2003 of Italy’s Diego Dominguez (left) and Alessandro Troncon celebrate their 30-22 victory over Wales in the RBS 6 Nations game at the Stadio Flaminio, Rome. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But there were 14 more defeats before their second victory, against Wales in the opening game in 2003. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Italy. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of France’s Scott Spedding (centre) stands dejected with teammates after the final whistle of the Rugby World Cup game at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. That record 62-13 defeat left French rugby with a serious bout of navel-gazing, but the good news for Noves is that it surely cannot get any worse for Les Bleus. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 04-10-2015 of Ireland’s Iain Henderson PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. O’Connell’s Test retirement has been exacerbated by Iain Henderson’s hamstring injury, with Ireland forced to patch up their side in several areas. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association without RWCL permission. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of Section 6 of RWC 2015 T&Cs at: http://bit.ly/1MPElTL Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 01-03-2015 of Ireland’s Johnny Sexton PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Linchpin fly-half Johnny Sexton should be fit to start the tournament after his latest concussion scare, the Leinster star again vital to his side’s chances. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Ireland. Photo credit should read Niall Carson/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial or promotional use without prior consent from IRFU. No alterations or doctoring. For further information please call +44 (0)115 8447447. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 03-10-2015 of England’s Mako Vunipola, Anthony Watson, George Ford, Nick Easter and Mike Brown look dejected after the World Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Jones has been entrusted with the task of reviving Red Rose fortunes after last autumn???s dismal group exit from the home World Cup marked a low point in the country???s rugby history. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. No use in books or print sales without prior permission. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 03-10-2015 of England captain Chris Robshaw (left) with head coach Stuart Lancaster at a post match press conference, after the World Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Jones has been entrusted with the task of reviving Red Rose fortunes after last autumn???s dismal group exit from the home World Cup marked a low point in the country???s rugby history. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 01-10-2015 of Frederic Michalak, France PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Noves seems set to oversee a Les Bleus rebuild with captain Thierry Dusautoir, the 80-times capped back-rower, lock forward Pascal Pape and fly-half Frederic Michalak having all retired from international rugby following the World Cup. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations France. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 22-11-2003 of England team celebrate with the Webb Ellis trophy after beating Australia in the Rugby World Cup Final at the Telstra Stadium, Sydney, Australia. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Since Martin Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, Twickenham has celebrated only one title ??? delivered in 2011 as the highlight of Johnson???s reign as manager – while Wales, Ireland and France have shared the remaining crowns over the last 12 years. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 22-11-2003 of England captain Martin Johnson lifts the Webb Ellis trophy aloft after beating Australia in the Rugby World Cup Final at the Telstra Stadium, Sydney, Australia. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Since Martin Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, Twickenham has celebrated only one title ??? delivered in 2011 as the highlight of Johnson???s reign as manager – while Wales, Ireland and France have shared the remaining crowns over the last 12 years. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 13-01-2016 of England head coach Eddie Jones (centre) with coaches Steve Borthwick (left) and Paul Gustard (right) at Twickenham Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Eddie Jones plans to lift England out of the lower tier of European rugby after leaving his players shocked over the nation???s lack of success since their finest hour in 2003. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations England. Photo credit should read Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-01-2016 of Wales head coach Warren Gatland during the Wales squad announcement at the Vale Resort, Hensol. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Warren Gatland’s squad go into battle as serious title contenders, especially with three out of four games being at home following their opening weekend clash against Ireland in Dublin. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-10-2015 of South Africa’s Fourie Du Preez (right) runs in to score the winning try during the Captain’s Run at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. But Gatland has selected 31 players who were involved in last autumn’s World Cup, a tournament that saw Wales beat England, Fiji and Uruguay to progress from the tournament’s toughest group, before suffering a quarter-final exit when South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez’s late try delivered a knockout blow. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 19-01-2016 of Head coach Vern Cotter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. For too long Sean Lamont has been fed up seeing Scotland run out to face their rivals with defeat already etched across their faces before a ball is even kicked. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Scotland. Photo credit should read Danny Lawson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 27-01-2016 of Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw (left) and head coach Vern Cotter alongside the Six Nations trophy during the RBS 6 Nations Media Launch at The Hurlingham Club, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. For too long Sean Lamont has been fed up seeing Scotland run out to face their rivals with defeat already etched across their faces before a ball is even kicked. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Scotland. Photo credit should read John Walton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 10-10-2015 of Wales head coach Warren Gatland (right) with attack coach Rob Howley (left) PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. And Wales attack coach Rob Howley believes the Gatland factor is critical to hopes of conquering European international rugby once again. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Wales. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 29-08-2015 of Scotland’s Sean Lamont. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. For too long Sean Lamont has been fed up seeing Scotland run out to face their rivals with defeat already etched across their faces before a ball is even kicked. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Scotland. Photo credit should read Craig Watson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 17-11-2012 of a general view of Murrayfield Stadium PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Stadiums. Photo credit should read Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 04-02-2012 of a general view the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Stadiums. Photo credit should read Niall Carson/PA Wire. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche
File photo dated 23-09-2015 of France’s Gael Fickou PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 28, 2016. Toulouse’s hugely-gifted centre was criminally unable to impose his fleet-footed talents on France’s stoic and turgid game under former coach Philippe Saint-Andre. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations Players. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association without RWCL permission. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of Section 6 of RWC 2015 T&Cs at:http://bit.ly/1MPElTL Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info. LaPresse Only italyCampionato RBS 6 Nazioni – Raccolta foto storiche