France clinch Six Nations with Ramos' last‑minute kick, sinking England in a thriller

The Six Nations has proved astonishingly erratic, and no one anticipated the dramatic climax that unfolded. Although France secured the championship for a second year running, England came within moments of ruining their electrifying celebration in a seesaw battle that will be remembered for ages. Ultimately, the hosts relied on a last‑minute penalty from Thomas Ramos to clinch the cup, extinguishing the growing Irish hopes of a surprise title grab.

The match will rank among the most remarkable episodes in the 120‑year saga of this contest, delivering consecutive titles to France for the first time since 2007. Much of the credit goes to the outstanding Louis Bielle‑Biarrey, who outdid himself by touching down four times, consigning England to four defeats in a single championship for the first time in half a century.

Statistically, this also marks England’s poorest showing since the Five Nations expanded to Six, though that fact escaped notice at the final whistle. England had surged ahead thanks to a 76th‑minute try by Tommy Freeman, only to surrender a final penalty after a ruck 45 metres from their posts. The fate of the whole tournament rested on Ramos, and he never appeared likely to miss.

Propelled by two scores from the impressive Ollie Chessum, England’s fortunes waned in the closing stages. They looked a far cry from the faltering side that had been beaten by Scotland, Ireland and Italy, and the result may well have prolonged Steve Borthwick’s spell as head coach. It has been a demanding campaign for both players and staff, yet they departed the field with dignity intact.

The evening was a whirlwind, featuring 13 tries in total as both teams seemed determined to make this anniversary edition of “Le Crunch” unforgettable. Prior to kickoff, a dazzling son‑et‑lumière display—including horses, fireworks and a mildly bemused Frédéric Michalak—set the scene; the atmosphere would have fallen silent had the home side, dressed in their special pale‑blue jerseys, not delivered their performance.

In the days ahead both camps will have plenty to contemplate. Scoring 46 points and seven tries in Paris yet still losing is almost unimaginable, and England will rue their failure to retain and manage possession in the final seconds before the decisive penalty. France, meanwhile, will shudder at how narrowly they avoided seeing Ireland snatch the prize after that side’s home victory over Scotland.

Bielle‑Biarrey has emerged as a genuine world‑class talent. The winger never needed a second chance to chase a well‑placed kick, and when Cadan Murley hesitated for a split second, the 22‑year‑old surged in to become the first player to register a try in every championship match across consecutive seasons.

England, however, showed far sharper attacking intent, culminating in a sleek try finished out wide on the right for Tom Roebu.