7 minute read
THE 2023 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS
The immensely popular Six Nations competition is only just around the corner and rugby fans will be licking their lips ahead of the spectacle.
This is an annual competition held between the home nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as well as France and Italy, as the six teams battle it out for the Six Nations title.
Advertisement
It is a competition which is always entertaining and regularly throws up surprise results that send shockwaves across the rugby world.
But who will win it this year?
How The Last Competition Unfolded
It was France that won the competition in 2022, which was a competition that was full of intrigue and drama.
Ireland finished second, just four points off France, followed by England, Scotland, Wales and Italy, in last. France secured a grand slam victory, as they did not lose a single game throughout the competition, having finished second in the two editions prior.
In fact, France were so dominant in this competition that they only trailed for 13 minutes across all five games, which came in the first half of the opening game against Italy.
It’s a competition which is always entertaining and regularly throws up surprise results
Prior to 2022, Italy had recorded 36 losses in a row in the Six Nations, however broke this thanks to a dramatic late victory over Wales. Ireland, who were runners-up, won the Triple Crown for the sixth time, thanks to victories over England, Scotland and Wales.
HOW THIS YEAR’S CHAMPION WILL BE DECIDED
Each team will face each other in a round robin style to decide on the champion.
Four points are awarded for a victory, while two points are awarded to both teams for a draw.
Everything you need to know about the competition that every rugby fan looks forward to
If a team scores four or more tries in a game, they are awarded a bonus point, while if the losing team is within seven points at full time, they will also receive a bonus point.
There is no host nation for this competition, so each team will play in their home stadium at least twice.
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?
France are being backed to retain their crown and win the competition once again.
However, many bookies are similarly expecting Ireland to provide firm competition.
England are currently third favourites, followed by Wales in fourth.
Both Scotland and Italy are not expected to fare too well, however could make a name for themselves if one or two results go in their favour, as is the fascinating nature of this tight competition.
HOW ARE ENGLAND EXPECTED TO GET ON?
England fans will be having some hopes of performing well in the competition, despite the bookies predictions.
However, few are sure of what to expect from the Red and Whites, following the recent sacking of head coach Eddie Jones after seven years in the job.
Former Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has been appointed in the role to lead his country forward, but it remains to be seen how this change will impact England’s playstyle and overall performance in the upcoming tournament.
England will start the Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium, in London, against Scotland on February 4.
They will then face Italy at Twickenham on February 12, followed by an away game against Wales at the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, on February 25.
The fourth round will see England face holders France at Twickenham, on March 11, with a trip to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to take on Ireland in the final fixture on March 18.
WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED?
As already stated, England’s Twickenham Stadium, with a capacity of 82,000, will host fixtures, alongside the 81,338-seated Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, with a 67,000 capacity, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which seats more than 73,000 spectators and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, with 73,000.
The smallest venue to host fixtures is Dublin’s 51,700 sized Aviva Stadium.
How You Can Watch Matches From Home
The opening fixture between Wales and Ireland will be broadcast on BBC on February 4, with the final game between Ireland and England on ITV on March 18.
Both the BBC and ITV will share broadcasting responsibilities throughout the six weeks of action to ensure those at home do not miss a second of the blood-pumping action.
Grange Avenue, Luton £839,999
***DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY*** A rarely available, completely detached, formerly a six bedroom Edwardian property spread over three levels and located in private gated surroundings close to Leagrave Train Station. The ground floor consisted of an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, study, two cloakrooms, lounge, conservatory, utility room, wash room and workshop. The first floor consisted of four bedrooms, two en-suites, family bathroom and a dressing room. The second floor had two further bedrooms, a dressing room and en-suite. Outside has gated access to the front with parking for multiple vehicles, a large quadruple garage with front and rear gardens. Early viewings are advised to appreciate the sheer size. This property would be an ideal large family home, house of multiple occupancy or a care/retirement home (STPP).
Wardown Crescent, Luton £695,000
Extended and refurbished to the highest standard by its current owners, this immaculate five bedroom semi-detached family home boasts a wealth of charm and character combining spacious room sizes and tasteful decor with contemporary design and luxury features. We highly advise an internal inspection as to fully appreciate the calibre of this designer residence. The property briefly comprises; entrance hallway, lounge, family room, separate dining room, Cloakroom, re fitted kitchen, first floor landing, five good size bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, front garden providing ample off street parking and a beautiful four tiered landscaped rear garden made up of lawned and shingled areas as well as an impressive out house containing a bar, hot tub, cinema area and pizza oven. The property’s location gives excellent access to local shops and well regarded schools as well as the M1, London Luton Airport and the Thameslink mainline train station that provides fast links into London.
Luton 01582 720011
Leagrave 01582 818818
Leagrave Road, Luton £675,000
Esquire are pleased to offer for sale this FANTASTIC investment opportunity to purchase a fully operational commercial unit, one bedroom duplex apartment and studio apartment with FREEHOLD in the ever popular Leagrave Road area of Luton. Presented in excellent condition throughout the commercial unit is currently serving the heart of the Bury Park community and briefly comprises; canopy entrance, large commercial area, large storage area fitted with kitchen & W/C, rear garden. The upstairs Duplex apartment briefly comprises; entrance hallway, lounge, kitchen, double bedroom, shower room. The Studio briefly comprise, a large bedroom/living space with kitchen and separate shower room. The property’s location boasts excellent transport links, access to other local shops. Call now to view.
Upton Close, Luton Guide Price £625,000
Located within a quiet cul-de-sac just off the prestigious Old Bedford Road this five bedroom detached family home boasts a wealth of charm and character combined with tasteful decor, this property has been priced to sell so we highly advise an internal inspection as to fully appreciate the calibre of this bespoke home. The current owners have thoughtfully refurbished the entire property to the highest standard, briefly comprising; entrance porch, entrance hallway, cloakroom, lounge area, extended dining room, open plan kitchen/diner with vaulted ceiling, office/bedroom five with en suite, first floor landing, master bedroom, second bedroom with en suite, two further first floor bedrooms, family bathroom, beautifully landscaped front and rear gardens. The property’s location gives excellent access to local shops and schools as well as the M1 and Thameslink mainline train station, that provides fast links in to London
London Road, Luton
We are delighted to present this DETACHED HMO property situated on the popular London Road in Luton Town Centre. This SEVEN bedroom is configured over three floors with beautiful periodic features and high ceilings to compliment the enormous rooms. On the ground floor we have two huge reception rooms, the entrance hallway with an under-stair W/C, ground floor bedroom, fitted kitchen leading into the enormous conservatory which then leads out into the rear garden courtyard. The first floor consists of three huge double bedrooms and a fully tiled family bathroom. The second floor offers 3 more large double bedrooms and yet another fully tiled family bathroom! Externally, there is plenty of room to the side/front should you wish to expand further (next door has planning permission for 3 x 1 bedrooms and 4 x 2 bedrooms apartments).
Rockfield Drive, Luton
£500,000
Esquire Estates are pleased to offer for sale this beautifully presented FOUR bedroom detached property in the highly regarded Sundon Park area of Luton. With stunning kerb appeal and modern internal decor throughout this family home offers excellent internal living space and briefly comprises; entrance hallway, lounge, kitchen/diner, utility room, cloakroom, stairs to first floor landing, four generous sized bedrooms with en-suite to master, family bathroom, front driveway with garage, rear garden. The Sundon Park area of Luton offers fantastic transport links being only a short walking distance to the Leagrave train station, c lose to the M1, local amenities, and also a great catchment of local Schools & academies, Call now to arrange a viewing.
Stanton Road, Luton £480,000
Esquire are delighted to offer this heavily extended five bedroom family home for sale on a CHAIN FREE basis. The property briefly comprises; entrance hall, cloak room, lounge/diner, conservatory, kitchen, first floor landing, three first floor bedrooms, family bathroom, second floor landing, two further bedrooms, shower room, out house, double garage with side access, front and rear gardens. The property’s location gives excellent access to local shops and schools as well as the M1, Luton & Dunstable hospital and the Thameslink mainline train station that provides fast links in to London, call now to view...
GUIDE PRICE £475,000 - £490,000 Introducing this impeccably designed, larger than life family home that provides all the accommodation you will ever need under one roof and comes completely CHAIN FREE so you can move in as soon as you would like! A viewing of this beautiful property is highly recommended to fully appreciate what the current owners have done to the place combining modern decor with traditional features to make their home stand out from the crowd. The property briefly comprises of an entrance hallway, a fully working office space, living room with an original working fireplace and bay front windows, cloakroom, open plan kitchen/diner, utility room, four double bedrooms to the first floor, en-suite to the principle bedroom, family bathroom, loft room which is fully boarded with sky light windows and a large L shaped garden with side access.
