Six Nations Championship: France wins a thrilling last-gasp match to beat England and win the title

England came tantalizingly close to derailing France’s Six Nations celebration in Paris, but Thomas Ramos scored a long-range penalty at the red hour to seal an extraordinary 48-46 victory and the title.

Ireland, victors over Scotland earlier in the day, watched the match in Dublin, seeing the title slip from their grasp in the final act of a captivating edition of the sport’s oldest international tournament.

Tommy Freeman’s 77th-minute effort appeared to have secured a shock victory for England – and he and Northampton team-mate Henry Pollock celebrated in front of the French fans.

However, France got the ball back early in the second half and, as in this match in Lyon two years ago, Ramos had the final say.

England entered the match after heavy losses to Scotland, Ireland and Italy, but was revived again, as it presented a performance full of energy and creativity that had been lost for most of its career.

The shock defeat, which extended their losing streak to four matches, was not a rare reward, but their impressive display represented a vote of confidence from the players in coach Steve Borthwick.

However, there will be no avoiding an investigation after the tournament.

As France celebrated their third Six Nations victory in the last five years, England’s players looked on knowing their title aspirations were long over.

The defeat completed England’s worst Six Nations campaign ever, with just one win from five matches. Even before the tournament was expanded in 2000, England had lost just four matches in one edition twice previously – in 1972 and 1976.

Borthwick’s side sit fifth in the 2026 table, matching their historic lows of 2018 and 2021.

However, this performance – against one of the most talented teams in the world – would be the first piece of evidence Borthwick cited in his discussions with his bosses at the Rugby Football Union.

A set of summer fixtures that could ultimately determine his future begin against world champions South Africa on July 4, followed by matches against Fiji and Argentina in the following weeks.

More to follow.