The 2018 NatWest 6 Nations was launched in London today, with all six coaches and captains in attendance to kick off two months of thrilling rugby.
The Championship starts next weekend when Wales host Scotland in what is the most highly-anticipated NatWest 6 Nations in decades.
England are the two-time defending champions but the other five nations also have ambitions of lifting the trophy when the Championship concludes on March 17.
Click here for the complete 2018 NatWest 6 Nations fixture list
“The 2017 Championship saw us achieve some record numbers across the likes of TV and digital platforms,” said Six Nations chairman Pat Whelan.
“This year, we will look to beat those numbers as we get set for the most competitive Championship in years with England looking for a historical third consecutive Championship win, while we can expect strong performances from the other five nations who will be vying for that coveted crown.”
After Wales host Scotland, Ireland launch their campaign in Paris against France before England travel to Rome to play Italy a day later.
England then host rivals Wales in round two and captain Dylan Hartley believes they have what it takes to claim the title again.
“As a team we have a long-term big picture goal but in the here and now the focus is on facing Italy,” he said.
“We want to lift the title again. The Championship is long and if you take your eye off the ball then you can come unstuck.
“We are in a good position. We have integrated players in the last two seasons, we have good depth and they bring the energy to push the old guys on.”
England could lift the trophy at Twickenham, where they host Ireland on the final weekend – but Joe Schmidt’s side look strong after winning all three autumn Tests.
They host Italy in round two, the first of three successive home games, and skipper Rory Best is expecting a tight Championship.
“When you think about winning it, you can take your eye off the ball for the first game. The Championship is so intense,” he said.
“It is such a tough tournament, it comes down to little bits here and there. You have to make your own luck and take advantage.”
However, Ireland face an almighty task in Paris first up against a France starting a new era – with new head coach Jacques Brunel set to take charge of Les Bleus for the first time.
France finished third last season and are chasing their first Championship in eight years.
“There is a turnover in terms of the coaching team and the players. There’s a new generation coming through and I hope in this year’s NatWest 6 Nations that the new generation step up,” said captain Guilhem Guirado.
“The new generation are doing well in the Championship so we hope they can show that.”
France just finished ahead of Scotland in 2017 but, under Gregor Townsend, the Scots have become one of the most exciting sides in world rugby.
They beat Australia both home and away last year and ran world champions New Zealand close, ensuring they arrive at this year’s Championship as a major threat
“We all start on zero going into the competition so there is optimism and confidence. We know how hard the competition is,” said captain John Barclay.
“The way we are playing is a little bit different and we have all bought into that. It is organised chaos and it suits us.”
It is a welcome return to the NatWest 6 Nations for Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who missed last year due to his role with the British & Irish Lions.
Gatland is a Championship veteran and has steered Wales to three successes in the past.
“We have a little bit of fresh blood and there are questions to be asked of those guys,” said captain Alun Wyn Jones.
“There’s a change of style which we’ve put in place since 2016. You look at some of the rugby the Scarlets have played, we don’t shy away from expectations.”
Gatland may be one of the most experienced coaches around but in round four he comes up against one of the newer coaches – with Conor O’Shea embarking on his second campaign with Italy.
The Azzurri finished sixth last season but look much improved this year and captain Sergio Parisse believes they can cause a stir.
“We’re still building the team, especially since Conor O’Shea arrived they have been trying things with the franchises,” he said.
“I’m really confident in the way we are working.”
