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Six Nations Debutants And How They May Fare This Year

It is that time of the year once more – in certain parts of Europe, rugby fever is spreading, with the Six Nations rugby tournament set to kick into full swing.

The 2025 edition promises to be as entertaining as ever, especially following such an exciting Autumn International period and this has led to a number of interesting talking points that are bound to spark many people’s curiosity.

Last year’s winners Ireland, are perhaps unsurprisingly the team to watch as they kick their campaign off against England in Dublin which is guaranteed to be a blockbuster. Many eyes will, of course, be on the visitors after an encouraging Autumn.

However, like with every year, there are a number of names coming through who could well make their debut for their respective nations and, this is certainly the stage on which to do it!

Possible Ireland Debuts

rugby ball flag irelandArguably the standout name in the Irish camp is the 21-year-old Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast who is being tipped to make his debut against England following such an impressive performance during the United Rugby Championship.

He is certainly one to watch and is rated as having a bright future – if he can perform to his potential he could turn out to be one of the player’s of the tournament. More than capable of causing problems from his boot, at such a young age, his game management is also particularly impressive.

Possible Wales Debuts

rugby ball flag walesIt’s somewhat of a changing of the guard for the Welsh national team, who recorded their worst finish of the century last year, with just four points, indicating that fresh, young blood is certainly needed.

As such, no less than five players could be debutants this time around. Ellis Bevan is definitely regarded as one of these. The 24-year-old has been added to Warren Gatland’s squad and is expected to make a positive impact from scrum-half, after some bright performances in the United Rugby Championship for Cardiff. Eddie James is another who could make his tournament debut and the centre could well be a key component in defence.

Meanwhile, Freddie Thomas in the pack can prove to be a valuable addition to this Welsh squad, with his work rate and Blair Murray is another who can add vesatility and tactical awareness in the backline.

Perhaps the one to watch though, is winger Josh Hathaway who has a lot of excitement to his game, with great hands and blistering pace which have been evidenced in his try-scoring performances for Gloucester.

Possible Scotland Debuts

rugby ball flag scotlandScotland certainly had a positive tournament last year, finishing fourth and will be hoping to go one better this time around after a decent Autumn. As such, there are a handful of players who could make their tournament debuts, which will add to an already well-balanced squad.

Certainly one of these is likely to be Stafford McDowall who could well feature against Italy, starting at centre alongside Huw Jones. The Glasgow Warriors player could be a valuable addition to Scotland’s squad and will be hoping for a good tournament. Ewan Ferrie is another who likely will be eyeing a tournament debut and boasting a strong line-out game in addition to a good work rate can add an extra dimension. Meanwhile, Matt Currie is another to look out for and will provide a significant defensive option at centre.

Possible England Debuts

rugby ball flag englandIf England beat Ireland in the first game, this will set up an intriguing tournament for everyone else and they could well be considered favourites.

They have a couple of inclusions in their squad that will likely make their debuts. Harlequins winger Cadan Murley could well become a consistent starter if he can replicate the form he has shown at club level, with his exciting try-scoring abilities, underlined by his speed and agility.


As well, there is Ben Curry (Tom’s twin brother), who could make his debut for England alongside his sibling in the backrow, which could be a secret weapon in itself, while his defensive abilities have been a standout in the Gallagher Premiership.

Possible France Debuts

rugby ball flag franceA team that could be ready to pounce if Ireland slip up, the only possible debutant is Gael Drean and the winger has been identified as a possible breakout star for his country this year.

He has demonstrated his ability to break defensive lines.

Possible Italy Debuts

rugby ball flag italyIt was a great effort from Italy last year, who were perhaps a little unlucky to finish fifth, after some superb results – especially the win by one point in Paris.

The only potential debutant they have for this year is prop Luca Rizzoli who has earned a lot of praise for his effective scrummaging strength.