Rugbystore’s 5 players to keep an eye on in the 2025 6 Nations
Annually the 6 Nations shows us some of the most exciting rugby you’ll see in the year, with each country having their own established stars and young guns ready to burst on to the international stage.
Here at Rugbystore we are giving our recommendations for the five players you need to keep your eye on in this year’s tournament. This list is a mix of experienced showstoppers and potential breakout stars with the ranking meaning very little in terms of the quality of the players.
- Antoine Dupont, Scrum-half (France)
No need to over think this one, as one of the rugby world’s best players makes his return after taking a year out to play on the HSBC Sevens circuit and Olympics.
While France still pushed for the title last year in his absence, Les Blues did look like they missed the impact of the tricky scrum-half. The talismanic Frenchman is no stranger to the contest, having captain his nation to a Grand Slam in 2022. Although his list of accolades doesn’t end there for his country as he helped Les Blues be crowned the HSBC Sevens Series Champions for the first time, as well as securing the Gold Medal in the Paris Olympic Sevens. Not to mention he has been part of a Toulouse side that has won several trophies with him at the edge of the ruck.
The 2024 World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year is known for his supporting lines and physicality, which will be key for him and his teammates if they want to reclaim the 6 Nations crown.
- Damian Penaud, Winger (France)
We promise this isn’t just a list of very talented French players, but Damian Penaud will be just as important to Les Blues this year, especially with his recent form he’ll be carrying into the tournament.
For those unaware, the Bordeaux man just broke the record for most tries in an Investec Champions Cup game, as he scored six tries in their 66-15 win over the Sharks. With a hattrick in the previous game to take his count to nine tries in two games. And with 35 tries for his nation, the lighting fast winger will be another key figure for one of the favourites for the 6 Nations, with many hoping he can recreate moments like his try against Ireland in the 2023.
- Sam Prendergast, Fly-half (Ireland)
Replacing the great Jonny Sexton at the 10 for Ireland wasn’t going to be easy for any player, but Jack Crowley got off to a pretty good start to his time as Ireland’s starting fly-half.
The Munster man was the top points scorer for Ireland with 52 points on their way to securing back-to-back titles last year, but his struggle for form this year has opened the door for someone else to breakthrough.
That someone is 21-year-old Sam Prendergast who is having a breakout year for Leinster in the URC and Champions Cup. Only making his debut in the 2024 Autumn Tests, the young Irishman has impressed many with of his performances and his passing range could be key for unlocking oppositions defences, whether he is a starter or coming off the bench.
In the post Sexton era this is a very promising situation to have regarding selection between the two talent 10s.
- Darcy Graham, Winger (Scotland)
When thinking of players to watch this year for Scotland you are spoiled for choice, as you have Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn and Finn Russell that are some of the first names that come to mind when thinking of the exciting Scottish attack.
But for us the man to keep an eye on is Edinburgh man Darcy Graham. Off the back of scoring five tries in the Autumn Tests, the Scotland international will be looking to increase his try count in his battle to be Scotland’s top try scorer against teammate Duhan van der Merwe. Only one try separates them prior to the 2025 6 Nations.
Graham has made many fans with his quick pace and explosive agility, which has been vital for him, as he racked up 29 tries for the Murrayfield side.
CREDIT: FOTOSPORT / DAVID GIBSON
- Henry Pollock, Second-row (England)
The 20-year-old might have been a late call-up to Steve Borthwick’s side due to the injury to Alex Dombrandt, but don’t be mistaken as the Oxfordshire born forward has the potential to make an impact for England now.
Having been part of the England U20 squads that won the 2024 U20 6 Nations and World Championship, Pollock has carried that form into his club performances for the Northampton Saints, with six tries for the Gallagher Premiership side. This years 6 Nations could present this young starlet the chance to introduce himself to the wider rugby world.
Since the Northern Hemisphere has such an abundance of talent, we also added a quick honourable mentions list: