Talking Points ahead of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations

Only two coaches remain in place from the 2019 tournament.

Published Jan 23, 2020

Last updated Jan 23, 2020

The 2020 Guinness Six Nations opens when Wales host Italy on February 1.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the tournament.

Crisis at Saracens

England’s Six Nations build-up has been overshadowed by Saracens’ relegation from the Gallagher Premiership for salary cap breaches. Eddie Jones will oversee a meeting at the squad’s training camp in Portugal to address any rifts caused by the scandal, but just how much damage has been done remains to be seen.

World Cup finalists to…

England v South Africa – 2019 Rugby World Cup – Final – Yokohama Stadium — Eddie Jones and England will be looking for a positive response to their World Cup final defeat (David Davies/PA)

All change

Four of the six teams have new coaches with only Jones and Scotland’s Gregor Townsend in place for the 2019 Six Nations. Jones, in particular, has lost two of his greatest sparring partners in Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt and the competition will feel their loss keenly, hoping the likes of Wayne Pivac and Andy Farrell will discover similar stature.

France rebirth

Rugby Union – European Rugby Champions Cup – Pool Four – Bath Rugby v Montpellier – The Recreation Ground — Fabien Galthie has picked a France squad with the 2023 World Cup in mind (Joe Giddens/PA)

Farrell v Farrell

Rugby Union – Rugby World Cup 2015 – Pool A – England v Uruguay – City of Manchester Stadium — England’s Owen Farrell (right) and new Ireland coach Andy Farrell (Martin Rickett/PA)