Records in Jeopardy at Six Nations Tournament
The 2026 Six Nations Tournament is set to potentially rewrite rugby history, with several records at risk of being challenged. From prolific try scorers to record-setting point accumulators, players across the tournament are in position to leave their mark. Here’s a closer look at the individual achievements that could shift during the championship.
Leading Try Scorer Records in Jeopardy
The record for most tries in Six Nations history has stood firm for 12 years. Brian O’Driscoll’s record of 26 tries remains unbroken. George North, who has 24 tries, came close but has not surpassed O’Driscoll’s tally. Currently, only Damian Penaud had a chance to attain this record, but he has been notably excluded from the French squad. Could George North consider a return from retirement? Or will the emerging Louis Bielle-Biarrey take on the challenge?
Most Tries in a Single Season
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey tied the record for most tries in a Six Nations season with eight, joining Cyril Lowe and Ian Smith.
- The attempts of Lowe and Smith were in earlier versions of the tournament, making Bielle-Biarrey the modern record holder.
- Other players will strive to surpass Bielle-Biarrey’s impressive haul in upcoming matches.
Consecutive Leading Try Scorer
Philippe Saint-André remains the only player in the last four decades to dominate as a leading try scorer in multiple tournaments. He achieved this remarkable feat in four seasons during the Five Nations era. Players like Penaud and Duhan van der Merwe still have opportunities to challenge this record, as they aim to become repeat champions of the scoring charts.
Most Points in a Single Season
The record for the most points in a single Six Nations season, held by Jonny Wilkinson with 89 points since 2001, is another target for current players. Thomas Ramos came close in 2023, scoring 84 points. Ramos still has time to potentially break this record and aims to close the gap on Jonny Sexton’s all-time points record.
Leading Points Scorer
- Jonny Sexton holds the record for the highest total points scored in Six Nations history, totaling 566 points.
- Owen Farrell, currently at 528 points, has the potential to dethrone Sexton if he continues his strong performance.
Consecutive Leading Points Scorer
Ramos also has his sights set on becoming the leading points scorer for four consecutive tournaments. His previous tallies of 63 in 2024 and 71 in 2025 highlight his scoring consistency.
Most Tackles in a Season
Jac Morgan marked the 2025 season with a stunning 88 tackles, breaking the previous record by a single tackle. As the current top tackler, he may face competition from players like Michele Lamaro and Maro Itoje, who are also capable of achieving high tackle counts this season.
All-Time Most Turnovers
Maro Itoje is on the brink of setting a new record for most turnovers in Six Nations history. Currently sharing the top position with O’Driscoll at 53 turnovers, Itoje has the opportunity to claim this title as England competes for the championship.
Fans can anticipate an exhilarating tournament filled with record-breaking possibilities at the 2026 Six Nations. As these players vie for glory, each match could redefine the landscape of rugby history.
