Six Nations New Faces to Watch as Fresh Talent Steps Into the Spotlight

Every Six Nations tournament has a habit of revealing something new. Sometimes it is a tactical shift, sometimes a surprise result. More often than not, though, it is a player — previously known only to club supporters or age-grade followers — who suddenly looks completely at home on rugby’s grandest European stage.

The 2026 Six Nations feels no different. Injuries, form, and a changing of the guard across several squads have opened the door for a group of young or lightly capped players who now find themselves on the brink of defining moments. Some arrive with hype already swirling, others quietly, but all carry the potential to shape not just this championship, but the next cycle of international rugby.

Here are six new faces to watch in the Six Nations, each bringing a different story, skill set and sense of intrigue.

Six Nations New Faces: Greg Fisilau and England’s Back-Row Depth Test

England rarely lack options in the back row, which makes Greg Fisilau’s rise all the more impressive. The 22-year-old Exeter number eight has been one of the driving forces behind the Chiefs’ revival this season, combining explosive ball-carrying with a surprisingly polished all-round game.

The son of former Tonga international Keni Fisilau, Greg grew up with rugby toughness embedded early. His father famously banned him from playing touch rugby as a youngster, worried it would encourage bad habits. The idea was simple: learn to tackle properly, shoulder first, and everything else can follow. Looking at Fisilau’s defensive numbers now, it is hard to argue with the logic.

He ranks among the top tacklers in the Premiership this season and has crossed for five tries already, often through sheer determination close to the line. His footwork in traffic stands out — nimble enough to beat defenders, powerful enough to drag them along if needed.

The challenge for Fisilau is less about ability and more about opportunity. Steve Borthwick has an embarrassment of riches to choose from in England’s back row. Still, if impact from the bench or rotation becomes necessary, Fisilau looks increasingly ready.

Edwin Edogbo and Ireland’s Search for Power

Greg Fisilau

Ireland’s pack has been admired for its cohesion and intelligence, but questions have occasionally been asked about raw physicality against the very best. Edwin Edogbo may be part of the long-term answer.

Standing 6ft 5in and tipping the scales at around 20 stone, the Munster lock is hard to miss. What makes his story compelling is not just his size, but the patience it has taken to get here. Two serious Achilles tendon injuries robbed him of nearly two years of rugby, stalling momentum just as his career was gathering pace.

Now 23, Edogbo looks refreshed and hungry. He has scored three tries in nine appearances for Munster this season and brings real ballast to the engine room. Remarkably, he only took up rugby at 13, inspired by his younger brother Sean. Off the pitch, he is equally disciplined, balancing professional rugby with the final year of an economics degree at University College Cork.

Andy Farrell has options in the second row, but pairing Edogbo with Joe McCarthy would give Ireland a seriously imposing combination. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his presence could change the tone of matches late on.

Kalvin Gourgues and France’s Next Backline Gem

French rugby has never lacked flair, but Kalvin Gourgues feels like a particularly special find. It took him just seven minutes of Test rugby last November to ignite serious excitement.

Thrown into the action against Australia, Gourgues collected the ball deep inside his own 22 and sliced through the midfield as if defenders were optional extras, before releasing Louis Bielle-Biarrey for a try. It was one of those moments that instantly marks a player out.

Now 20, Gourgues is versatile enough to cover both centre positions, full-back and even fly-half — a quality Fabien Galthié values highly. With Gaël Fickou left out of France’s initial Six Nations squad, the pathway has opened quicker than expected.

His journey has not been straightforward. A serious circulation issue required surgery on his foot, including replacing an artery with one from his thigh. Monthly scans still monitor his condition, making his rapid rise even more remarkable.

France trust him enough to use him as backline cover on a six-two bench, which speaks volumes about his maturity.

Freddy Douglas and Scotland’s Faith in Youth

Edwin Edogbo

Gregor Townsend does not hand out Test debuts lightly, which makes Freddy Douglas’ story stand out. Last autumn, Douglas became Scotland’s youngest international in more than 60 years, earning his first cap at just 19 — before he had even made a senior club appearance for Edinburgh.

That debut against Portugal showed glimpses of what excited the Scotland coaching staff: low body height, sharp instincts over the ball and an ability to slow opposition momentum. An ankle injury temporarily stalled his progress, but this season he has returned stronger, both physically and mentally.

Douglas’ jackalling ability is exceptional, aided by years of yoga stretching that have given him unusual flexibility. He has also added bulk to cope with the demands of gainline collisions at Test level.

Still just 20, he represents a long-term investment. If Scotland need energy and disruption late in games, Douglas could quickly become a familiar sight.

Louie Hennessey and Wales’ Midfield Promise

Welsh supporters tend to get nervous when a talented youngster heads across the border, and Louie Hennessey did exactly that. A Cardiff Schools standout and Wales age-grade regular, he moved to England to combine university with professional rugby at Bath.

Crucially, though, Hennessey has remained committed to Wales. The 21-year-old centre blends physicality with subtlety, capable of breaking tackles or stepping into a playmaking role when needed. His versatility has seen him deployed on the wing as well, a useful asset in modern squads.

His timing could not be better. A try against Gloucester in the Premiership ensured he retained his place in Wales’ Six Nations plans after earning a first senior call-up in the autumn. With Welsh rugby searching for stability and confidence, Hennessey feels like a player to build around.

Samuele Locatelli and Italy’s Opportunity Through Disruption

Italy’s Six Nations preparation has been disrupted by injuries, but that has created an opening for Samuele Locatelli. The 24-year-old back row forward has been quietly excellent, earning plaudits first in the Italian domestic league with Viadana and now in the United Rugby Championship with Zebre.

Locatelli was voted player of the year in Italy’s top flight, a reflection of his work rate, breakdown efficiency and leadership qualities. With Ross Vintcent and Sebastian Negri sidelined, his chance may finally arrive.

A Test debut would cap a remarkable rise for a player who has worked patiently for his moment — and Italy have often thrived when giving hungry newcomers a platform.

Six Nations New Faces Ready to Leave a Mark

The Six Nations has always been a proving ground. For some of these players, this tournament may simply be the first step. For others, it could be the moment they announce themselves properly to the rugby world.

What unites them is opportunity — and in a championship as unforgiving as this one, that opportunity rarely comes twice.