For those playing the @SixNationsRugby Fantasy Rugby this year, I have created some useful data that may be helpful. Data includes all fixtures in ANS 24 & 25 and M6Ns 25 and has been obtained via API from: https://t.co/IMXspbIyHR More details to follow. #FantasyRugby #M6N #6N

Since @SixNationsRugby stopped doing it, here's the official fantasy team of the week (w/ 4 per nation constraint). Pretty chaotic week with a possible total 751pts, so respect if you got more than half these players in your team. Always so obvious in hindsight..! #FantasyRugby

Stung by last minute Jalibert withdrawal? Sadly, even the model could not predict that. Stats for Marin and P. Garbisi as potential FH replacements and the remaining french team if you have space for a freed up a french jersey. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

The model's R2 team produced 523 points last week (even without Jalibert) so a reasonable showing! Assuming no major surprises in the French or Italian teams to be announced, here is the model's team for this week: #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

A few players have their 1st appearance in the tourney or starting for the first time that will be on peoples' radar. One of Kinghorn and DvDM seems a safe play. Pollock never started before but if he continues his PPM from the bench, he could go big. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Updated as Griffin benched:

Pollock backers will know that SS is always tough to get right. Historic data not always an indicator of future performance... Data sorted by PPM, Minutes off bench, xP and PPG/cost. Model still backing Pollock for most points but plenty of options. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Sheehan still supreme but not by much. His expense could be cause to look elsewhere, especially after an average R1. Outside the premium pick, there is not much between the remaining hookers. Perhaps go for value here if not going Sheehan. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Prop a lower scoring position so maybe PPG/cost the best metric here to free up some budget. Ferrari had a very good R1 but propped up by his MoM award so wouldn't count on a repeat. Loughman and Griffin are the best value. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Second Row saw some big numbers in R1 but tends to score on the lower side. Beirne benched and Izuchukwu OOP. Itoje likely to get full 80 after last week. Guillard a risk with the French bench. Jenkins always quite safe. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Back Row has a depth of good options. Earl and Doris are the premium picks. Some good value here in the Welsh players if looking to free up budget (still waiting on final team). Try to line-up who is not getting subbed off as best you can! #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Not much discussion here however... Dupont has seen early sub offs when France are far ahead to protect him but it is a risky gamble to free up a French shirt. Dobie OOP is possible but again, the floor and ceiling are quite low for him. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Jalibert and Ford had cracking R1s but with F.Smith on bench, Ford is looking at reduced mins. Russell loves to show up against ENG so wouldn't count him out and Prendergast looks viable. Jalibert the premium pick if you can spare a French shirt. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Bad week for Huw Jones backers in R1 (myself) but data still backs him for R2. Menoncello will fancy his matchups against IRE too. French centres look appealing (shock) but no data on FBB (also likely to get subbed). Good options behind premium picks. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Back 3 is the money maker, just a question of how many French you go! Sorted by PPG, PPG/cost (for value) and xP (an estimate! - see excel model's team in other post) Some good value in the English backs and Freeman OOP position performed well in R1. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Just a pet project and not on the scale of other professional models but I have used excel solver to calculate a team based on xP. xP is calculated using Z scores derived from PPG and minutes and adjusted for player confidence, win%s and winning side position Δ. #GuinnessM6N

Assume most teams are final now but some important numbers on subs available. Points/minute and minutes off bench are the two stats I look for in a SS. Pollock hype looks justified, M Smith also a great option for minutes. Few budget picks in there. #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N

Comparing match results to PPG scored reveals a little about how each position is affected by the result. Understandably, backs (and hooker) benefit more from being on the winning side. Forwards make points in tackles, scrums, etc. Only 4 per side so choose well! #GuinnessM6N

Depth of good options at Back Row and quite a key position. Consistent point scoring position so a 'safe' captaincy. Earl and Doris are safe picks but expensive. Defo value to be found here but would splash out on 1-2 consistent back rows. #GuinnessM6N

Not many points up for grab at second row. The data does not include lineout steals so some players may be slightly underrepresented here but only Chessum achieved more than 1 all 2025 6N. Itoje on the bench frees up budget. Beirne a popular pick looks replaceable. #GuinnessM6N

Sheehan takes the cake for best hookers (again, unsurprising). Mauvaka on the bench so Jamie George is a decent value pick but he does tend to get subbed off early (52 mins avg to sub off vs 64 mins for Sheehan). #FantasyRugby #GuinnessM6N #6N