Two years since his last Six Nations appearance, Louis Rees-Zammit is eying his first taste of famous rivalry at Twickenham.

The world's oldest rugby tournament is the stage for a clutch of young stars to make their name.

With excitement rising for this year's Stade de France curtain-raiser against Ireland, BBC Sport NI looks at how France are shaping up for their Six Nations title defence.

Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park says that France captain Antoine Dupont can "do stuff that not many others are capable of" ahead of Thursday's opening Six Nations game in Paris (20:10 GMT).

Pierre Schoeman has seen his fair share of disappointment in a Scotland jersey but is maintaining his belief in what the side are capable of.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says Jacob Stockdale "deserves" to start against France in the Six Nations opener in Paris on Thursday night.

Wales flanker Alex Mann says he likes to try and get under the skin of the opposition as he prepares to face England in Saturday's Six Nations opener.

Three of England's key players all near full fitness in time for next weekend's Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland in Edinburgh.

Coaches may need to call on more players and there might be fewer underdog stories as a new Six Nations schedule is launched.

Former Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray believes France's Antoine Dupont will "have a point to prove" against Ireland on Thursday after being injured against them in last year's Six Nations.

Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman will attempt to bring out the best in each other when they line up in England's midfield against Wales.