Kyle Steyn Earns Spot in Fans’ Six Nations Team of the Tournament Following Record-Breaking Championship

South African-born Kyle Steyn joins stars from France, Ireland, and Italy in the 2026 Six Nations fan-voted XV, while England fails to secure a single spot.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 8:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

South African Influence in the Scottish Backline

Kyle Steyn has been recognized as one of the premier performers of the 2026 Six Nations, earning the number fourteen jersey in the official fans' vote. The South African-born winger was a consistent threat for Scotland throughout a campaign that saw the side finish in a respectable third place. Steyn’s inclusion reflects his clinical finishing and defensive work rate, which were pivotal during Scotland’s high-scoring victories, including a historic 50-40 win over France. His selection is a testament to the ongoing impact of Southern Hemisphere talent within the Northern Hemisphere’s premier international competition.

France Claims the Title Amidst Final Round Drama

France emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 edition, though their campaign was marked by significant volatility. A shock loss to Scotland in Round Four ended their hopes of a Grand Slam, but Les Bleus recovered to secure the trophy with twenty-one log points. The championship winning squad dominated the fan vote, with superstar scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, fullback Thomas Ramos, and winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey all earning spots in the Team of the Tournament. The French side’s tactical dominance at the set-piece was also acknowledged through the selection of lock Mickaël Guillard.

The Rise of Italy and England’s Historic Collapse

One of the defining narratives of the year was the resurgence of Italy, who moved away from the bottom of the table by securing victories over both Scotland and England. This upward trajectory is reflected in the Team of the Tournament, where three Italians—center Tommaso Menoncello and front-rowers Simone Ferrari and Giacomo Nicotera—were selected by the public. Conversely, England’s campaign ended in historic disappointment. Finishing in fifth place with only a single win, the English squad failed to have a single player named in the fans' XV, marking a low point for the national side’s reputation among the broader rugby public.