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However, with doubts remaining about the availability of World Rugby Player of the Year Johnny Sexton, Ireland will likely face a tougher range of challenges from each of their five rivals. England and Wales are expected to push the favourites all the way. The two sides have both prospered since 2012, having both achieved two tournament victories and a Grand Slam during this time. Equally, both teams are in fine form. England came through the autumn internationals with victories over both South Africa and Australia, only losing by one point to the All Blacks. Wales on the other hand also defeated Australia and South Africa in the autumn fixtures and will play both of their two crunch games on home turf. The three front runners aside, Scotland and France on their day can be a threat. Scotland manager Gregor Townsend has a lengthy list of injuries to work around, but the side finished third in last year’s contest and will be hoping to match or even exceed this standing should they start with a victory against Italy. France meanwhile triumphed against England last year, and having only narrowly lost 14-13 to Wales and 15-13 to Ireland in 2018, the French will likely be hoping to flip the latter two results on their head this time round, providing them with the necessary platform to secure a surprise tournament victory. The final contestant Italy is an John Kennedy with the Six Nations trophy outsider once again, having won the wooden spoon in four of the previous build on its ongoing commitment five seasons. to international rugby, having been the official beer of the contest for a Sport and sponsorship number of years. The rugby aside, much of what makes “We are really looking forward to the Six Nations an unrivalled spectacle the start of the Guinness Six Nations for supporters is the emphasis from all in February 2019,” said John Kennedy, parties that is placed on upholding and Diaego President for Europe, Turkey maximising the fan experience. and India. “Working with the Six As the new Title Sponsor of the Nations, we want to enhance both the competition, Guinness is hoping championship and the fan experience to both continue to maintain this whilst using the partnership to spectator-centric approach and encourage the adult fans watching,
EME
Guinness is the lead sponsor of this year’s tournament
or attending, the games to drink responsibly.” The sponsorship is a six-year deal, and adds to the company’s partnerships with the four Home Unions, Leinster and Munster. “This announcement affirms our long-standing support for the game of rugby and cements our position as one of the world’s biggest rugby supporters,” added Mark Sandys, Global Head of Beer, Baileys and Smirnoff. “We truly believe in the power of sport to connect communities and we’ll be working with the Six Nations to ensure that fans’ experience of the Guinness Six Nations is their best yet.” Set to kick off at the Stade de France on February 1, the teams, Guinness and spectators alike will now be counting down the days, with the entire tournament still all to play for.
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