As January moves into February, the excitement levels in the world of rugby begin to increase as a new 6 Nations Championship comes into view. Spread over two months, the championship is a festival of power, speed and aggression, as some of the world’s best rugby players are pitted against each other.
The question is, who will win this year’s 6 Nations?
England, under Head Coach Eddie Jones, is ranked as the No 2. team in the world at the moment. However, some slightly lacklustre and unconvincing displays in the Autumn Internationals mean that the odds-on favourites might struggle against some of the more passionate Home Nations.
A resurgent Scotland – who powered past Australia 53-24 in the autumn – are playing some of the most attacking, free-flowing rugby under the guidance of the mercurial Gregor Townsend.
Wales have struggled of late, and while narrowly overcoming South Africa in the autumn, they are not the penetrative, try-scoring machine they use to be.
Ireland’s form has been unpredictable at best. Fresh off the back of demolishing the Springboks in the autumn, they then struggled past tier two teams, Fiji and Argentina. Although England also made heavy weather of finishing off the dogged Pumas.
France has always been capricious, but has been struggling recently. Especially after defeats by the Springboks and All Blacks in the autumn, and only managing to scrape a draw against Japan. When at their best, they have the talent to take any team in the world, but this year they might struggle to make an impact.
Finally, let’s look at Italy. In the last decade, they have come on in leaps and bounds, and could cause an upset (and regularly do) to any team in the tournament. Will they hold the wooden spoon again this year? You wouldn’t bet on it.
Stay with Rocco Forte Hotels at Brown’s in London, The Balmoral in Edinburgh or Hotel de Russie in Rome to make sure you soak up the atmosphere of the tournament and we will ask our concierge to find you tickets to some of the crunch matches of this year’s Six Nation’s Championship, including:
Sunday 4th February – Italy v England in Rome
Saturday 10th February – England v Wales in London
Saturday 10th February – Scotland v France in Edinburgh
Saturday 24th February – Scotland v England in Edinburgh
Saturday 17th March – Italy v Scotland in Rome
Saturday 17th March – England v Ireland in London
Soccer Stadium © iStock/efks
Rugby Ball Kick © iStock/skynesher
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
They say the lobby is the beating heart of any hotel; where first impressions linger, inspiring journeys begin and end, and friends and lovers reunite. Upon entering Hotel de Rome, an immediate sense of calm is restored, as light pours in from the glass atrium and plants and palms breathe new life into the space. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, shares her inspiration behind the hotel lobby’s new look.
