After losing out in the quarterfinals in their home Rugby World Cup, France Rugby is about rectifying their mistakes and going for the Grand Slam with the Six Nations next year.
In the build-up to the Six Nations of 2024, France has received a Toulouse forward, Emmanuel Meafou, who is now eligible to represent France as his French citizenship is complete.
For the French, this comes as a significant boost, with the forwards losing experience after the World Cup with the exit of Uini Atonio and Romain Taofifenua. But Maeafou is expected to turn things around.
Meafou’s story is unique. He was born and raised in Australia by Samoan parents in New Zealand. Meafou arrived in France in 2018 after he failed to make a career in the NFL. But ever since he entered the domestic circuit, he’s been a powerhouse. At 25 years old, he was an instrumental player at Toulouse, and now he is set to make his debut for France.
All the fans counting down the days for the Six Nations with rugby Six Nations tickets will be excited, especially at the French end of things. Considering the skill set they showcased, the side did not deserve to exit the tournament so early.
However, it is time now for revival and fight back.
Already part of the France squad during the Six Nations earlier this year, there was an attempt to fast-track his eligibility for the World Cup, replicating what the All Blacks tried to do with Folau Fakatava.
The All Blacks wanted to add the 23-year-old Fakatava of Tongan origin to the Rugby World Cup squad, but it was unsuccessful.
Expressing his strong desire to play for France, Meafou stated in a 2022 interview on the Le French Rugby podcast, “Oh man, I want to play for France. France is definitely on my radar… I would definitely love to play for France – if that came up.”
Netflix to Launch Series with the Six Nations
For all those with rugby Six Nations tickets, it is welcoming news that Netflix has partnered with the Six Nations to develop a documentary series alongside the tournament.
To make the sport more popularized, Netflix is heavily interested in showing the world the sport of rugby and the fanfare.
BBC, ITV, and S4C will broadcast the Six Nations in the United Kingdom, while France Televisions will provide coverage for the French fans. RTE and Virgin Media will be the broadcasters in Ireland.
The 2022 Six Nations had extensive broadcast coverage, attracting 119 million live viewers, and the 2024 edition aims to continue providing fans with immersive experiences and top-tier sporting entertainment.
With Netflix, the producers are looking to bring out an insider show that features the lives of the players and the fans with Rugby Six Nations tickets to build an exceptional storyline. A few years back, the Netflix documentary series featuring Formula 1, “Drive to Survive,” proved to be a massive commercial success, bringing in new fans to the sport and overhauling it completely.
The fans with Rugby Six Nations tickets are excited to see what unfolds in the Netflix series when it gets released.
The #10 Debate is On for England
The ongoing debate about England’s starting fly-half ahead of the anticipated 2024 Six Nations has sparked discussions among fans with rugby Six Nations tickets.
In a recent poll conducted by TNT Sports, Marcus Smith was a popular pick with 35% of the vote, with George Ford and Owen Farrell in second and third.
The results tell one story – the fans and the rugby fraternity at large think the playmaker role in the England rugby team needs an overhaul.
But Lawrence Dallaglio, former England national cap, has backed captain Owen Farrell ahead of the fan poll that he needs to remain in the #10 slot as long as he is the captain. Dallaglio emphasized the connection between the captaincy and the fly-half role, stating that Farrell remains England’s designated No. 10.
While England has had a bad record in the Six Nations, with Farrell leading, England is more likely to win. In contrast, England has done well in the World Cup. In 2018, the team defeated the mighty All Blacks to make the finals; this year, they were semifinalists.
But Dallaglio also welcomes new players as the space opens up for youngsters to grow into the role as the team looks to build ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
On another note, Stuart Hogg, Scotland‘s legendary skipper, thinks Marcus Smith needs to be considered over Farrell for the role, considering the 2027 World Cup. Hogg’s claims are valid with the age factor where Smith is 24, and the four-year stint will give him enough time to get acclimatized to the playing conditions and emerge as a superstar.
Currently, both Farrell and Ford are in their 30s, and giving the way to a youngster as a starting option and for Farrell to shift to Centre might be a good idea. Fans with rugby Six Nations tickets will also second this as the English are yearning for success in both the Six Nations and the World Cup, and a bold decision of this nature will be ideal.
This discussion from Hogg adds an exciting layer to the narrative surrounding England’s fly-half selection, considering the immediate future and the long-term planning for significant rugby events.
Bundee Aki Resigns with Ireland until 2025
Ireland’s star player Bundee Aki, highlighted for his stellar performance at the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup, has re-signed with the Irish Rugby Football Union until 2025.
A standout in this year’s Rugby World Cup for the Irish, he played a crucial role, narrowly missing a spot in the semifinals.
The 33-year-old Connacht back has been a critical figure for Ireland, contributing significantly to their success.
Aki expressed his delight in signing the contract extension, emphasizing the importance of playing in Ireland.
The announcement is positive news for coach Andy Farrell, who had to see the exit of experienced players such as Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls. Aki, with 53 caps since his debut in 2017, is enthusiastic about the future, citing the emergence of young talent as a source of optimism for the continued success under Farrell’s leadership.
