- Former Scotland forward Ryan Wilson is expecting fireworks in this year’s Six Nations … Here are the players he expects to make their mark
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
It’s so hard to look past Louis Bielle-Biarrey and I’m fairly certain he’ll be the tournament’s top scorer again. People talk about Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert in the half-backs but Bielle-Biarrey is just incredible. And the fact that his big mate Damian Penaud is not there on the other wing, which is madness, just means it will be more tries for Bielle-Biarrey.
French sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored eight tries in last year’s tournament
Impressive Munster lock Edwin Edogbo is pushing hard for a Six Nations start with Ireland
Edwin Edogbo (Ireland)
One player I was hoping to see make his debut for Ireland in Paris was Edwin Edogbo. Andy Farrell’s left him out of this one but I think we’ll see the Munster lock in a green shirt before the Six Nations is over. He’s still just 23 but he’s been incredible for Munster and I’m hopeful he’ll be one to watch later in the tournament.
Wing wonder Tommy Freeman scored a try in every game for England last year
Tommy Freeman (England)
There’s been a lot of chat about Henry Pollock and what he brings to the party. He’s only on the bench for England’s opener but it’s a 23-man game these days and the replacements know they’ll be expected to make a big impact when they come on, as I’m sure Pollock will. But my one to watch is actually Tommy Freeman. He made history when he scored a try in all of England’s games last year and I’m excited to see how he goes this year. He’s starting in the centres but he’s got great versatility. That guy can play anywhere he wants and we’ll probably see him at wing and full-back at some point too.
Louis Rees-Zammit will be a talismanic presence for Wales after his stint in the NFL
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
It’s been a tough time for Welsh rugby of late but Steve Tandy will be delighted to be able to call upon a player like Louis Rees-Zammit again after his time away in the NFL. He’s the headline act but you also have to look at Blair Murray and Ellis Mee, two exciting young players that have been playing really well for Scarlets in the URC. I’d keep an eye out for that pair as well.
Benetton winger Louis Lynagh will be the main man for Italy in this year’s tournament
Louis Lynagh (Italy)
I reckon Louis Lynagh will be Italy’s top try scorer in the Six Nations. He’s a brilliant player and he’s gone from strength to strength. He’s the main man there. And then there’s the ‘Brexoncello’ centre partnership of Tommaso Menoncello and Nacho Brex who were so lethal together for Benetton for years and both are starring still for the national team.
Jamie Dobie will seek to bring his Glasgow Warriors form to the fore with Scotland
Jamie Dobie (Scotland)
Everyone talks about Finn Russell and we all know what he can do. But the one to watch for me is Jamie Dobie. It will be interesting to see how Townsend uses him as he’s now just as accomplished on the wing as he is at scrum-half.
He’s become the first name on the team sheet for Glasgow, who are top of the URC and second seeds in the Champions Cup. It’s incredible how well he’s been playing. He’s so versatile and he’s brilliant off the bench. But I think we’ll see him start on the wing.
Another player to keep an eye on, that again a huge amount of people won’t be talking up, is Gregor Brown. He has been so good. And he’s an absolute powerhouse. So him and Scott Cummings in the second row for me would be something I’d be looking to use.
Ryan Wilson will join Duncan Weir and Sebastian Negri for Premier Sports’ live coverage of Italy v Scotland this Saturday starting at 1.30pm on Premier Sports For the first time, in a new partnership with Six Nations Rugby, Premier Sports will broadcast five live matches from the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship across the UK – further strengthening its position as the home of elite rugby for rugby fans which includes EPCR rugby, Top 14 and URC. To join in visit www.premiersports.com from £11.99 a month.
