Six Nations Fantasy Rugby Tips: How to Build a Winning Team
Alright, fantasy rugby fans, it’s that time of year again. The air is crisp, the fixtures are out, and the age-old debate of who to pick in your fantasy team is about to consume your group chats. Whether you’re a seasoned selector or a newcomer looking to topple your mates in the office league, building a winning Six Nations fantasy team is a brilliant—and slightly addictive—way to heighten your enjoyment of the Championship.
This guide is your practical playbook. We’re going to break down the process, step-by-step, from setting up your squad to making those crucial weekly transfers. By the end, you’ll have a team built on strategy, not just a hunch about who’s got the best haircut. Let’s get your team ready to compete from the first whistle in Cardiff to the final play at Twickenham Stadium.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before we dive into the selection process, let’s get the basics sorted. You don’t need much, but having these to hand will make your life easier.
A Fantasy Rugby Platform: The official Guinness Six Nations Fantasy game is the most popular, but platforms like Superbru also offer great versions. Get registered early.
Your Budget: Every game has a salary cap. You can’t just pick 15 superstars, so value for money is key.
The Fixture List: Knowing who plays when, and especially who has the "easier" fixtures on paper, is fundamental to your strategy.
A Notepad or Spreadsheet: Old school or digital, keeping track of your thoughts, player prices, and potential transfers is a game-changer.
Five Minutes Each Week: Once your team is set, you’ll need a few moments ahead of each round to check team news, make transfers, and tinker with your captaincy choice.
Got it all? Good. Let’s build a champion.
Your Step-by-Step Team Building Process
1. Master the Scoring System & Pick Your Game
This is the absolute first step. Don’t just skim the points system—study it. Does your fantasy game give huge points for tackles made? Then a workhorse flanker might be more valuable than a winger. Does it reward defenders beaten or clean breaks? That changes everything. For example, a player like Marcus Smith, who thrives on breaking the line, could be gold dust in one system but less valuable in another that prioritises goal-kicking metres. Know what actions score points inside out.
2. Identify the Must-Have "Season Keepers"
These are the players you build your team around. They are the consistent point-scorers, the lynchpins of their sides, and they’re often worth the high price tag. Look for:
The Goal-Kicker: If your game awards points for kicks, the primary goal-kicker for a top side is non-negotiable. For England Rugby, this has historically been Owen Farrell—a metronome of points.
The Try-Scoring Forward: Players like Maro Itoje aren’t just defensive giants; they are lineout targets and have a knack for popping up with a crucial try. A forward who consistently scores is fantasy platinum.
The Creative Spark: The player who makes everything tick. For Ireland, it might be Sexton; for France, Dupont. For England, Marcus Smith or a fit-again Henry Slade can be that magic touch.
3. Hunt for Value in the "Unsung Heroes"
This is where you win your league. You can’t afford 15 superstars, so you need players who will deliver points above their price tag. Look for:
The New Cap: A debutant or relatively new player is often priced low. If they’ve been tearing it up in the Premiership and get the nod from Steve Borthwick, they could be a bargain.
The Injury Replacement: If a star is ruled out, their replacement steps into a ready-made role for a fraction of the cost. Keep a very close eye on England Rugby training camps preparation announcements in the lead-up to each match.
The Set-Piece Specialist: A prop who scores a try is a rare but massive points haul. Someone like Ellis Genge, with his powerful carries and potential for tries, can offer incredible value compared to a more expensive back.
4. Balance Your Squad with Fixture Strategy
Don’t just pick the best 15 players. Look at the Six Nations Championship schedule.
Target Favourable Fixtures: Which teams have home games against perceived weaker opposition? A full-back playing against a leaky defence at home is a prime pick.
Consider the "Run-In": Some teams have a tougher start but a kinder finish. It might be worth holding a player through a tricky first two rounds if they have three great fixtures later.
The Calcutta Cup and Millennium Trophy Effect: Historic rivalries like Scotland vs England and England vs Ireland are often brutal, tight affairs. While defensive points might be high, try-scoring can be lower. Factor this in.
5. Plan Your Captaincy & Transfers From Day One
Your captain scores double points. It’s the single most important decision each week.
Week-by-Week Captain: Don’t set and forget. Analyse the fixture. Your captain should ideally be a key player for a team expected to win big that weekend.
Bank Transfers: Most games give you a limited number of transfers for the whole tournament. Don’t waste them on a knee-jerk reaction after one bad game. Use them for injuries, loss of form, or to target a specific favourable fixture run.
The Bench Matters: Your substitutes can auto-replace non-starters. Fill your bench with cheap, likely starters who will cover you if there’s a late withdrawal.
Pro Tips & Common Rookie Mistakes
Let’s sharpen your edge and help you avoid the classic pitfalls.
Pro Tips:
Follow the News Religiously: The team named on a Tuesday is rarely the one that runs out on Saturday. Follow reliable sources for the latest from the Rugby Football Union and other unions. A last-minute promotion from the bench to the starting XV is a fantasy goldmine.
Review the Autumn Nations Series: Form from the end-of-year tests is a great indicator. Who looked sharp? Who was creating tries? Use it as a recent form guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Picking with Your Heart: We all love the Red Rose, but loading your team with 15 England players is a terrible strategy. You need points from every game, not just when England play. Be objective.
Ignoring the Forwards: Beginners often stack their teams with flashy backs. But forwards play 80 minutes, make tackles, hit rucks, and score tries. A balanced pack is essential.
Panic Selling: So your star player had a quiet first half. Rugby is a game of moments. He could score 20 points in the last 20 minutes. Don’t transfer him out immediately unless he’s injured or dropped.
Forgetting About Bye Weeks: In some fantasy formats, players have bye weeks. Make sure you don’t have half your team unavailable for a round!
Your Winning Fantasy Rugby Checklist
Here’s a quick-fire summary of everything we’ve covered. Run through this before you finalise your squad.
[ ] Understand the Rules: I have studied my chosen game’s scoring system in detail.
[ ] Secure the Essentials: I have my primary goal-kicker and at least one "season keeper" star.
[ ] Found the Gems: I’ve identified 2-3 undervalued players who could outperform their price.
[ ] Analysed the Fixtures: My squad is balanced with an eye on the fixture list, including key clashes like the Calcutta Cup.
[ ] Built a Balanced Squad: I have a strong mix of forwards and backs, not just try-scoring backs.
[ ] Planned for the Bench: My substitutes are cheap, likely starters who provide cover.
[ ] Devised a Captaincy Strategy: I know who my likely captain is for Round 1 and have ideas for future weeks.
[ ] Saved Transfers: I’m happy with my squad and won’t make knee-jerk transfers after one round.
* [ ] Checked the News: I’ve verified there are no last-minute injury concerns for my picks.
Stick to this plan, stay engaged with team news, and may your captain’s choices be inspired. Now get out there, build your squad, and get ready for another unforgettable Six Nations Championship. For more on the tournament itself, dive into our full Six Nations guide.
Good luck, and may the best selector win!
Reader Comments (0)