France launch the Guy Noves coaching era today – but Les Bleus’ star attraction could be Test newcomer Virimi Vakatawa.

Simon Lewis takes a look at how the two sides match up.

Donal Lenihan's recipe for Irish success in the first Six Nations game against Wales.

A new home, the RBS 6 Nations title to defend and changing priorities make for a challenging year for Niamh Briggs and her Ireland women’s team but head coach Tom Tierney is relishing the opportunity to strike the right balance.

Scotland are heading into the Six Nations Championship with the same optimism that usually strikes Caledonia in January but there are reasons to believe this bout will last longer than most examples of the past decade.

Sam Warburton aims to “burst Ireland’s balloon” on Sunday. The Wales captain knows their opening game of the Six Nations could prove the acid test for hopes of claiming a peculiar hat-trick.

January 2015. Nigel Carolan is sitting in the Bective Rangers clubhouse at Donnybrook Stadium explaining his coaching philosophy before the upcoming Six Nations campaign that will be his first in charge and it is a recipe few supporters would refuse.

When France’s new coach sets forward his plans for the national team, he does not speak of ambitions. Guy Noves has been around long enough to know he has a duty to the cause of picking up the pieces of his national team.

Life inside the bubble. There’s a lot to be said for it when you’re a national team coach, writes Simon Lewis

Welcome back England, we missed you, writes Brendan O’Brien