Rugby's greatest championship has been played in some form or another since 1883, becoming the modern Six Nations in 2000. How have the various participants fared over the years, and which players have gone down in the sport's folklore for their performances in the tournament?

Winner, top try-scorer, breakthrough star and more - Will a returning Antoine Dupont lead France to victory? And is there any end to Wales’ woe? A thrilling campaign

In December, the case against the 21-year-olds was dropped after the two forwards had faced accusations in July. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Fabien Galthie has named an incredibly strong 42-man squad for the Six Nations, as France seek to break Ireland's vice-grip on the title.

January is almost over and the 25th edition of the Six Nations is about to lift the gloom. To celebrate, here are 25 reasons to be cheerful, from tactical nuances to star players and a potentially blockbuster television pundit.

France face their trickier biennial Six Nations itinerary in oddly numbered years, with England in Twickenham and Ireland in the Aviva Stadium. Of their six titles since the expansion to the Six Nations, France have won only one championship in odd years.

As always, there has been some pre-tournament tinkering with the rules. The Six Nations will adopt the 20-minute red cards that were trialled during the autumn, although referees can still send a player off permanently for deliberate and dangerous acts of foul play.

France captain Antoine Dupont said Toulouse's thrashing of Leicester in the Champions Cup was the perfect warm-up for the Six Nations.

Olympic gold medallist Antoine Dupont makes his triumphant return to French rugby, bringing fresh energy and expertise to Les Bleus' Six Nations campaign.

Antoine Dupont returns to Six Nations after a successful Rugby Sevens stint, aiming to lead France to victory. Having skipped last year's contest, he is eager to capitalize on a victorious autumn series.

A toe injury has ruled the winger out of the Championship's curtain-raiser against Wales on Friday, January 31st.

France head coach Fabien Galthie said today he and his coaches take “complete responsibility” for including two players in his Six Nations squad who were investigated for rape in Argentina before the case was dismissed.