England coach Steve Borthwick has overhauled his back line and made nine changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome, handing the flyhalf reins to Fin Smith and shifting Tommy Freeman to outside centre.

Preparations for round four of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations are underway across Europe, with Ireland, France, England and Wales all confirming squad adjustments through injury, suspension returns and selection changes ahead of a pivotal weekend of fixtures. No squad updates have yet been issued by either Italy or Scotland at the time of writing.

Rassie Erasmus has pressed refresh on the Springboks’ build toward 2026, blending hardened World Cup winners with a wave of next generation prospects in a 49 man squad for next week’s alignment camp in Cape Town.

Three rounds down, two to go. Bringing to a close one of the most fascinating opening blocks of Six Nations action in recent memory, the 2026 Championship has reaffirmed why it is international rugby’s most exciting annual competition.

Grand Slam gone, title gone but hope is far from gone for Steve Borthwick’s England in the grand scheme of developing towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Andy Farrell’s Ireland got back on track with arguably their best performance of the past months with a 42 – 21 win over England at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Ireland made a statement at Twickenham on Saturday, rolling past England 42-21 in Round 3 of the 2026 Six Nations.

Andy Farrell’s Ireland silenced the outside narrative that they are a side in decline with an emphatic 41 – 21 win over England at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Italy have been handed a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with France as Ange Capuozzo returns from injury to start at fullback in Lille.

France head coach Fabien Galthie has resisted the urge to overhaul a winning formula, retaining 13 of the 15 starters who dismantled Wales as Les Bleus chase a third straight victory in the Six Nations Championship.

Scotland has reshuffled with intent for its trip to Cardiff, recalling British and Irish Lions duo Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe among five changes to face Wales at Principality Stadium.

Ireland has made a decisive call at fly-half ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with England, with head coach Andy Farrell restoring Jack Crowley to the starting lineup and leaving Sam Prendergast out of the matchday 23 for the trip to Allianz Stadium.

Wales has turned to fresh blood and familiar leadership in an attempt to halt a slide that has defined its recent Six Nations Championship campaigns.

England has handed Henry Pollock his first test start, as Steve Borthwick makes three changes for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Ireland at Allianz Stadium.

One win from two rounds feels like an accurate reflection of Ireland’s Six Nations to date.