Six Nations was a fantastic contest

» THIS Six Nations will go down as one of the best championships in history.

There must be great credit given to all concerned, and most of all to the players for creating a spectacle with not a supporter in sight.

There was breathtaking skill on display, red and yellow cards, some wonderful officiating, mixed with the worst-ever refereeing display.

England, as pre-tournament favourites, were poor, except when they played France at Twickenham, and suddenly now Eddie Jones’ job is on the line.

Scotland won more games away than at home, Ireland huffed and puffed but were undone by players being sent from the field, while Italy were again the whipping boys.

At times they played with some great attacking flair, but with an unstable platform and a porous defence, they were always on the back foot.

The team I enjoyed watching most were the French, who had a great balance to their game. They attacked with great pace, had accuracy of passing and, crucially, players made good decisions when in possession – apart from the last seconds of the Scottish game, when the ball should have been kicked off the field, which handed Wales the title.

They have a great leader in Charles Ollivon, who brings discipline to his French team.

They also have a little magician at scrum-half, Antoine Dupont, who was a joy to watch in every game.

He is emerging as a superstar in world rugby, and was deservedly voted player of the tournament.

Wales were worthy winners, but they did have large amounts of lady luck to thank, notably playing against 14 men in two separate internationals, but their luck did run out in Paris when France’s late try in dead time prevented them from gaining the slam.

With all this excitement and drama it was so cruel that no supporters could enjoy the live spectacle and have the traditional weekends away in the iconic cities of European rugby.