THE SIX NATIONS

The 2023 Six Nations is just around the corner and, in the lead-up to a Rugby World Cup later this year, the 2023 tournament is vital preparation for all six teams.

International Rugby is in a very exciting place at the moment, with almost all of the top ten teams being able to beat each other on their day. This has led to lots of close encounters, boding for a sensational Six Nations round the corner.

By Jamie Gordon

Wales will look to find the form they so desperately need in this championship After a particularly poor year in 2022, Gatland will be a welcome re-addition to the set-up, but a long list of injuries will mean he will not have access to his trusted combinations and could be forced to make some big selection calls Wales have a tricky start to the tournament, playing the No 1 ranked side in the world: Ireland. However, a Welsh win is certainly not off the table with the home crowd behind them.

Ireland, the Number 1 ranked side in world rugby at the moment, will look to turn recent success into silverware this February. Andy Farrell has taken this team to a very good place in terms of form and World Cup preparation; they will certainly not be pleased with anything less than a title this year In the first round, Ireland head to Cardiff to start their bid for the title and they face an out-of-form Welsh side

I think England will be the main discussion point of this year ’ s tournament With a new head coach in the form of Steve Borthwick, it will be interesting to see how the side performs coming off the back of a mixed year in 2022 In his first Six Nations as a head coach, it will be important for Borthwick to assert himself quickly and set the tone for England’s performance for the World Cup England faces Scotland in the first round. Both sides lack consistency at the moment and need to find some solid form ahead of the World

Scotland showed glimpses of brilliance in their autumn international games, coming close to beating both the All Blacks and the Wallabies, and thrashing Argentina However, it seems they still do not have enough to close out the tight games, a mark of a true top side. New captain Jamie Ritchie seems to be finding his feet in the role and could shine this tournament Scotland travels to Twickenham for the first round and looks to retain the Calcutta Cup

Scotland showed glimpses of brilliance in their autumn international game

Italy have had a very good year in 2022

Beating the Wallabies and Samoa in the autumn and clinching a win against Wales in the last Six Nations, the raw talent of their youthful squad is beginning to shine through. They host France in the first round which will be a very tough game for the Azzurri. However, this is the Six Nations, a tournament notorious for its upsets and excitements, so I would not rule Italy out entirely.

France is a firm favourite for this year ’ s title and has another Grand Slam set in their sights ahead of a home World Cup Having not lost a game since 2021, Fabian Galthie’s side seems to have peaked perfectly in time for the World Cup. France has set the world stage alight in recent years with their brand of free-flowing flamboyant rugby and anything less than a win in this year ’ s Six Nations would mean bitter disappointment for the French. They look to get their title campaign rolling against Italy this weekend.

France are firm favourites

My score predictions are as follows:

Wales 15 – 29 Ireland. Scotland 20--19 England Italy 14- 35 France

Surviving School is the name of the Eastbourne College TV mini-series which has been in production throughout the Michaelmas Term and is now a permanent fixture of the Drama Department

As the name suggests, the series covers issues relevant to pupils at school These range from creating friendship groups, feeling academic pressure, coming out as LGBQT+ and even dealing with embarrassing siblings!

The project is entirely pupil-led, from the script-writing to the filming and editing, with actor Daniel Fathers acting as a mentor. Filming takes place on Saturday mornings, and casting has just been decided for the second episode. We look forward to seeing you all at Thursday's premiere!

by Audrey Hang