Scotland and Ireland, then France, top readers’ support in Six Nations

With the Six Nations rugby tournament back in full swing, we asked readers whether the country they support has changed since moving to France.

We found the biggest support was for Scotland and Ireland; around 30% of respondents support Ireland, and the same number Scotland, showing two passionate rugby communities.

Close behind was France, with around a quarter of people wishing for last year’s Grand Slam winners to repeat their success.

France was also a popular ‘second team’ choice, with many supporting France when they are not playing against their home nation.

Remaining support was divided equally between England and Wales. No readers said they are backing Italy.

Thank you to all who responded; below we run some of the comments received and tally up results to see which team has the most support.

Scotland

The general rule seems to be “you support Scotland’s rugby team first then anyone playing England,” says reader K.F.

“I support Scotland, naturally. Scotland must always beat England,” agreed A.K., confirming that Anglo-Scottish rivalry is a key factor in Scotland’s support.

A.K. does, however, support France as a second team when not playing against Scotland.

This is a common trend also matched by A.M. who backs Scotland but has a soft spot for France; “I support France against all other teams [except Scotland]” they said.

France

Those who have moved to France from elsewhere like C.C., have adopted their new nation and like to “see France win in any sport.”

“Staying in France, I am inclined to support the French team,” agrees reader, R.D.

"I cheer for France over everyone else, as I have lived in France for 20 years and now feel more French than British," said N.R, showing that making the move across the channel can cause allegiances to switch

England

“Despite living in la belle France, I will always support England!” – C.T.

Ireland

“Ireland first and then France, because my grandmother was from the Auvergne” said D.D., who spends six months of the year in Gers.

P.C. is also supporting Ireland, and after watching them beat France last week believes "The French need to pull themselves together... they haven't turned up yet."

Wales

“Cymru am Byth!” wrote reader C.B., keeping support for the Welsh despite living in France. They did however continue the trend of picking France as a second team, and support “France against all other nations.”

Reader S.R. is supporting Wales, but does not have high hopes for them to win =.

"Unfortunately, with all the issues [Wales] will be very lucky to win any game this tournament," they said.

Italy

Whilst no readers outright support Italy, many mentioned they were happy to see them progress in the competition (just not against their own team!)

“I really like to see Italy win… [they don’t have] a long pedigree in rugby and are really working hard to make the grade,” said A.K.

K.F. also said they “would love to see Italy do better” at this year’s competition.

Some, like reader M.G., are just happy to watch a good game.

They are equally happy to see France or England succeed, “but a real win will be good rugby,” they said.

Not everyone will be tuning in to the competition, however.

“That people can get so worked up about a mere game, is beyond me” said D.M.

Have you been watching the Six Nations this year? Do you think your country is going to win? Have you switched allegiance to another country? Let us know via news@connexionfrance.com

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