Sport

France crowned Six Nations champions after extraordinary final-day drama

Published

2 months ago

March 15, 2026

Ramos penalty in Paris seals title as Ireland fall just short and Wales end losing run

FRANCE were crowned 2026 Six Nations champions in one of the most dramatic finales in the history of the tournament, sealing the title with the final kick of the championship on Saturday (Mar 14).

A tense and thrilling final match in Paris saw Les Bleus edge England 48-46, with full-back Thomas Ramos landing a long-range penalty deep into injury time to secure victory and the title. The kick not only broke English hearts but also ended Ireland’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy after they had earlier beaten Scotland in Dublin.

France finished the championship on 21 points, two ahead of Ireland, securing their second consecutive Six Nations title.

The competition, which ran from early February to mid-March, delivered high-scoring matches, historic upsets and a dramatic three-way title race between France, Ireland and Scotland that was only settled in the final minutes of the final game.

***Ireland were denied the Six Nations championship despite a 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, a result which secured the Triple Crown.***

Super Saturday drama decides the championship

The tournament’s climax came on the traditional “Super Saturday”, when all three final matches were played on the same day.

Ireland kept their title hopes alive with a commanding 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. The win secured Ireland the Triple Crown, awarded to the home nations side that defeats England, Scotland and Wales in the same championship.

Ireland’s result briefly moved them to the top of the table and meant the championship would be decided later that evening in Paris.

Earlier in the afternoon, Wales hosted Italy in Cardiff. Wales produced one of their best performances of the campaign to defeat Italy 31-17, bringing an end to a long losing run in the championship and giving Welsh supporters something to cheer after a difficult period.

With those results completed, the title race came down to the final match of the tournament — the famous “Le Crunch” clash between France and England.

France and England produce classic encounter

The match in Paris delivered one of the most spectacular contests seen in the Six Nations for many years.

Both teams attacked relentlessly in a remarkable 13-try thriller that swung back and forth throughout the evening.

England, who had endured a difficult campaign, produced arguably their best performance of the tournament and repeatedly took the lead against the defending champions. At one stage they looked set to snatch an unlikely victory after Tommy Freeman’s late try put them ahead.

France, however, refused to give up. In the dying moments, Ramos stepped forward to kick the decisive penalty and send the Stade de France into celebration.

The dramatic finish confirmed France as champions and ensured the 2026 Six Nations would be remembered for one of the most extraordinary finales in the competition’s history.

Three-way title race builds throughout tournament

The championship had been finely balanced across the five rounds.

France began strongly and quickly established themselves as favourites, including a record 54-12 victory over Wales in Cardiff early in the tournament.

However, their hopes of completing a Grand Slam were ended when Scotland produced one of the shocks of the championship, defeating France 50-40 in a high-scoring encounter at Murrayfield.

Ireland also remained firmly in the title race despite suffering a heavy defeat to France earlier in the campaign.

Going into the final weekend, France, Scotland and Ireland were all still capable of winning the championship, setting up one of the most exciting finales the tournament has seen in many years.

Italy make history

One of the most memorable moments of the championship came in Rome when Italy defeated England for the first time in Six Nations history, winning 23-18 in a famous upset.

The victory was a major milestone for Italian rugby and underlined the continued improvement of the Azzurri, who have become increasingly competitive against the tournament’s traditional powers.

Italy ultimately finished fourth in the standings, ahead of both England and Wales.

England endure difficult campaign

Despite their spirited performance against France in the final match, England finished the championship with just one victory from five matches.

Early defeats to Scotland and Ireland, followed by the shock loss to Italy, left Steve Borthwick’s side struggling near the bottom of the table before their impressive attacking display in Paris.

However, the seven tries scored against France offered some encouragement that England may yet rebuild momentum heading into future international competitions.

Wales rebuilding after tough period

For Wales, the 2026 championship was largely about rebuilding confidence after a difficult run of results in recent seasons.

Heavy defeats earlier in the tournament highlighted the scale of the challenge facing Welsh rugby, but the final-round victory against Italy provided a welcome lift and brought an end to a lengthy losing streak in the competition.

Although Wales finished bottom of the table, the performance in Cardiff offered some encouragement for supporters looking for signs of recovery.

Standout players of the championship

Several players produced outstanding performances during the tournament.

France’s Thomas Ramos finished as the championship’s leading points scorer with 74, while winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored nine tries — the most in the tournament and a new Six Nations record for a single campaign.

Their contributions were central to France’s attacking style and proved decisive in the race for the title.

Final standings

France
Ireland
Scotland
Italy
England
Wales

Championship remembered for dramatic finish

The 2026 Six Nations will be remembered as one of the most entertaining and dramatic editions of the tournament.

From Italy’s historic victory over England to Scotland’s upset win against France and the extraordinary final-day drama in Paris, the championship delivered a competition full of twists and high-scoring rugby.

In the end, the title was decided by the very last kick of the tournament — a moment that ensured the 2026 championship will be remembered as one of the great Six Nations campaigns.

Sport

Dolphin backs Goodwick United as chip shop celebrates national recognition

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

Herald Sport

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

DOLPHIN Fish & Chips in Goodwick has been praised for its support of the local community after stepping up as a sponsor of Goodwick United.

The popular chip shop, known locally for its haddock and chips, has built a strong reputation in the area, with customers praising its freshly cooked food, generous portions, crispy batter and friendly service.

The business says it has also been recognised among the Top 40 fish and chip businesses in the UK, a national achievement which has helped put the Goodwick takeaway firmly on the map.

As well as serving local customers, Dolphin has now shown its backing for grassroots sport by sponsoring Goodwick United, underlining the close links between local businesses and community football in Pembrokeshire.

The sponsorship has been welcomed as another example of a local business putting something back into the community it serves.

Dolphin offers both sit-in and takeaway options and says it currently holds a 4.6 Google rating.

Photo caption:

Community support: Goodwick United players and manager pictured with Mr Bravaham from Dolphin Fish & Chips, Goodwick

Sport

Neyland make early statement as cricket season begins

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

Herald Sport

NEYLAND made an immediate statement on the opening weekend of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League as they began their Division 1 campaign with a convincing 91-run win over Whitland.

Neyland cricketers ready for action (Pic: Martin Jones)

The champions posted 256-8, with Sean Hannon leading the way with 76 and Paul Murray adding 52. Ross Hardy also made 26 before taking 2-21, while Andrew Miller claimed 2-24 and Sam Laugharne 2-30.

Whitland battled to 165-8 in reply, Che Thomas finishing unbeaten on 45 and Matthew Davies making 37, but Neyland took 19 points from the fixture to sit top after the first round of matches.

Carew also made a strong start, beating Burton by eight wickets. Burton were bowled out for 160, despite Joseph Kiff making 44 and both Nick Jones and Luke Hayman adding 31. Carew reached 161-2, Morgan Grieve top-scoring with 68, supported by Brian Hall, who finished 44 not out, and Shaun Whitfield, who added an unbeaten 25 after earlier taking 3-44. Iori Hicks claimed 4-26 and Noah Davies 3-20.

Saundersfoot were another side to open with victory, chasing down Cresselly’s 182 all out to win by seven wickets. Simon Stanford made 63, with Nick Cope unbeaten on 36, after Tom Murphy had earlier hit 66 for Cresselly.

Herbrandston produced the most emphatic batting display of the day, beating Lawrenny by ten wickets. Lawrenny were dismissed for 129, with Harry Thomas making 36, before Herbrandston reached 136 without loss. Harry Nicholas finished 51 not out and Charlie Malloy 43 not out, Malloy having earlier taken a superb 8-57.

There was also early drama at St Ishmaels, where Tish and Narberth finished level. St Ishmaels closed on 122-9, with Narberth then bowled out for the same score. Stephen Williams made 17 and took 3-16 for Tish, while Ben Hughes claimed 3-18 for Narberth.

Lawrenny team at the weekend (Image: Martin Jones)

Division 2

JOHNSTON and Cresselly seconds both took maximum 20-point hauls in Division 2.

Johnston edged a tight contest with Pembroke Dock by 12 runs. Steven Mills starred with 73 and 3-18, while Gary James made 61 and took 2-30 as Johnston were bowled out for 173 before dismissing Pembroke Dock for 161. Nick Daley made 41 for the Dock, with Peter Kingdom adding 31 and Callum Power 26.

Cresselly seconds beat Fishguard by 75 runs after posting 217 all out. Griff Jenkins made 48 and took 2-18, Lewis Mason added 40, and Matthew Lewis claimed 3-19. Fishguard were bowled out for 142, Anthony Cousins top-scoring with 32.

Hook won a high-scoring game against Llangwm, chasing 221-8 to win by six wickets. Mikey Jones was the match-winner with an unbeaten 101, backed up by Rhys Phelps with 60. Llangwm had earlier been led by Luke Brock, who made 108, with Dominic Asson unbeaten on 77.

Pembroke also made a fine start, beating Llanrhian by ten wickets. Llanrhian reached 137-9, Jack Jones carrying his bat for 88 not out, but Pembroke replied with 138 without loss. Ceri Brace made 64 not out and Jack Harries 62 not out.

Haverfordwest were comfortable nine-wicket winners over Llechryd. Jake Merry took 4-13 as Llechryd were bowled out for 74, before Johnnie White, unbeaten on 31, and Ben Field, unbeaten on 25, completed the chase.

Division 3

CAREW seconds lead the early Division 3 table after a three-wicket win over Burton seconds.

Burton were bowled out for 160, Will Ridge making 45, before Carew seconds reached 163-7. Stephen Cole made 50, Dai Rees 37 and Rhys Lewis 33, while Jamie Heeps had earlier taken 3-47.

Laugharne also began with victory, beating Pembroke seconds by seven wickets. Matt Tait finished unbeaten on 50, with Callum Collins-Davies making 34 and Harry Clapperton 24 as Laugharne chased down 131.

Kilgetty defeated Haverfordwest seconds by 20 runs. Dylan Duffy made 48 and Ieuan Prout 29 in Kilgetty’s 142 all out, before Haverfordwest seconds were dismissed for 122 despite James Marchant’s 50. Kieran Williams took 4-20.

Saundersfoot seconds won a low-scoring game at Lamphey by ten runs. Sam Joseph returned excellent figures of 6-26, while Josh Samuel made 19 not out and then took 3-8.

Hundleton edged Stackpole by five wickets, reaching 158-5 in reply to 157-7. Evan Davies finished unbeaten on 50 and Jonathan Williams unbeaten on 36, while Josh Davies made 91 and took 2-34 for Stackpole.

Division 4

HAVERFORDWEST thirds and Llechryd seconds both opened Division 4 with maximum-point victories.

Haverfordwest thirds beat Crymych by two wickets after chasing 126. Richard Davies made 46 and Sidak Mahey 17, while Kos Dammitry took 5-37 for Crymych, who had earlier been led by Nitai Durey with 42 and Sion Vaughan with 38.

Llechryd seconds beat Neyland seconds by 70 runs. Tom Harries made 51, Ollie Roberts 50 and Dan Moulster 36 not out in a total of 198-6. Moulster then completed a fine all-round display with 5-38 as Neyland seconds were bowled out for 128, despite Martin Lewis making 58.

Hook seconds won by four wickets against Carew thirds, with Jamie Phelps making 91 and taking 3-17. Carew thirds had posted 176-8, Robbie Hicks finishing unbeaten on 75.

Narberth seconds beat St Ishmaels seconds by 61 runs, Ceri Davies making 41 not out and taking 2-7. Andrew Williams and Matthew Gow both made 32, while Jordan Howell added 25.

Lawrenny seconds were seven-wicket winners against Herbrandston seconds. Ian Milsom made 56 not out for Herbrandston, but Lawrenny reached 107-3, Jon Beff finishing unbeaten on 36 and Noah Williams unbeaten on 33.

Division 5

LLANRHIAN seconds lead the way in Division 5 after a 97-run win over Pembroke Dock seconds.

Llanrhian seconds made 199-4, with Leon Williams unbeaten on 62, Ryan Bywater making 41 and Ninja Prabath finishing 35 not out. Pembroke Dock seconds were bowled out for 102, despite Johnnie Hay’s 61, as Ryan John took 3-3 and Mark Evans 3-22.

Cresselly thirds also took 20 points, beating Pembroke thirds by six wickets. Pembroke thirds were bowled out for 160, Dan Scourfield falling just short of a century with 95, before Cresselly reached 161-4. Ollie Toy made 59 and Neal Williams 44.

Llangwm seconds beat Hundleton seconds by eight wickets. Josh Davies made 87 not out and John Palmer 65 not out, Palmer having earlier taken 4-14.

Whitland seconds were five-wicket winners over Llechryd thirds. Matt Driver made 51 and Rhys Davies 38 as Whitland chased 115, after Chris Sweeney had taken 4-14 and Joel Evans 4-27.

Division 6

HAVERFORDWEST fourths and Laugharne seconds both opened Division 6 with 20-point wins.

Haverfordwest fourths beat Whitland thirds by four wickets, chasing 92 to finish on 93-6. Will Davies made 57, while Harvey Thomas took 3-12 and Danny Dewstowe 3-7.

Laugharne seconds edged a one-wicket thriller against Neyland thirds. Neyland were bowled out for 134, Mason Kerrison making 40 and Phil Keen 38, before Laugharne reached 135-9. Andrew Edwards finished unbeaten on 37 and Shaun Lynch unbeaten on 22.

Lamphey seconds also started with victory, beating Haverfordwest/Cresselly by four wickets. Haverfordwest/Cresselly made 133-5, Arthur Jenkins top-scoring with 35, before Lamphey seconds reached 134-6 thanks largely to Jack Halstead’s 67.

Sport

Getting the ball rolling at schools boccia tournament

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

Herald Sport

MORE than 50 pupils from across Pembrokeshire came together for an afternoon of competitive and inclusive sport at a schools boccia tournament.

The event was held at Haverfordwest High School on Tuesday (Apr 21), with pupils from Haverfordwest High, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Greenhill, Henry Tudor School and Milford Haven School taking part.

The tournament was sponsored by Valero, whose support helped make the event possible.

Matches were officiated by Young Ambassadors from Haverfordwest High School, alongside Welsh international boccia player Sian Jones and her mum, Liz. Their involvement helped add to the professionalism and enjoyment of the day.

After a series of closely contested matches, Greenhill Team 4 were crowned champions, defeating Haverfordwest High Team 1 by 6-3 in a tense final.

Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, praised the event and everyone involved.

He said: “It was great to see so many children taking part and enjoying themselves in such an inclusive activity.

“A big well done to all who took part, and especially to Greenhill Team 4 for winning such a competitive final.”

The tournament highlighted the power of inclusive sport to bring young people together, build confidence and give pupils of all abilities the chance to compete and enjoy representing their schools.