Fantasy rugby returns this weekend, with the Six Nations kicking off on Saturday with a fantastic opening round of fixtures for fans to enjoy.
The tournament begins with the world's number one ranked team, Ireland, travelling to Wales to face a team which will be resurgent following the return of Warrren Gatland as head coach. England also have a new had coach, with Steve Borthwick taking charge following the sacking of Eddie Jones.
Borthwick's first match in charge is Saturday's Calcutta Cup fixture against Scotland, with Gregor Townsend's side having held the famous old trophy for four of the past five years. The weekend's round of fixtures is completed as defending champions France travel to Rome to face an Italy side who enjoyed a fantastic 2022 in which they beat both Wales and Australia.
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With new coaches for two teams and a World Cup to prepare for, there are many players who could be the right pick for your fantasy team. We have take a look at some potential bargains for your squad as well as a couple of more established names for your XV.
Ollie Chessum - 9.0 stars
Borthwick is expected to build a team including many of the players who helped him win the 2022 Premiership title with Leicester Tigers. Ollie Chessum is one of the players who was key in that triumph and he will start for England in their opening Six Nations fixture against Scotland.
The 22-year-old is a bargain compared to a player like Maro Itoje and is rated at 9.0 stars compared to 17.0 for Itoje. He is an accomplished lineout jumper and with seven points available for a lineout steal it could be a fruitful signing for your team.
Joe Hawkins - 10.0 stars
At 6ft 2in and 16.5 stones, Hawkins is a bulldozer of a centre and has gone from being Wales U20 captain to starting inside centre for Wales in the Six Nations. He has been mightily impressive for Ospreys this season and is expected to be a big star in the future for Wales having made his debut in November.
With a home fixture and a new head coach, Wales could spring an upset against the world's number one side in the opening round of fixtures. Hawkins will be likely to gain lots of metres should Wales be able to secure quick ball in a fervent home atmosphere and is one to watch alongside winger Rio Dyer (12.0 stars).
Ellis Genge - 16.0 stars
Not a bargain compared to the first two picks, the Bristol prop has evolved into one of England's leaders in recent years and the arrival of Borthwick will be a huge boost to the 27-year-old.
Having been captain under the new England coach at Leicester Tigers and with his historic performances against Scotland, we can expect a big all-round game from Genge.
Michele Lamaro - 13.0 stars
The Italy captain has become a leader beyond his 24 years and led the tackle stats in last year's tournament, with a massive 86 tackles helping lead an exciting young side to a win against Wales on Super Saturday last March.
At 13.0 stars he is perhaps underrated in this year's fantasy game, but with Italy expected to pick up the wooden spoon despite their improvements of late, those who pick the loose forward will be reliant on his individual performances.
