Here is the news article with the requested Markdown formatting:
The 2024 BBC Rugby Union Six Nations Championship Has Concluded with Ireland Retaining the Crown
The thrilling 2024 edition of the rugby union Six Nations tournament, Europe’s blue-riband annual event, has come to a close, generating the usual torrents of native passion, cross-border hostility, and polarized debate around team selections, tactics, performances, and officiating.
In a hard-fought encounter, Ireland retained their Six Nations title after claiming a 17-13 victory against Scotland in Dublin, proving once again that they are among the world’s elite rugby union teams. Andy Farrell’s side outlasted the challenge from Gregor Townsend’s Scotland, dashing the visitors’ hopes of securing the Triple Crown.
Elsewhere, France finished second in the table after securing a narrow two-point win against England in Lyon, with Thomas Ramos kicking a last-gasp penalty to seal the victory. However, it was a campaign to forget for Wales, who ended up with the rugby union wooden spoon after suffering a 21-24 defeat against an impressive Italian side.
Italy’s resurgence was one of the standout storylines of the 2024 Six Nations rugby union tournament, as they went unbeaten in their last three matches, drawing with France before beating both Scotland and Wales. Mail Sport’s Chris Foy has sifted through the five rounds of fixtures to nominate some award-winners and a combined XV of the tournament’s best performers.
The selection includes several standout players, such as Ireland’s Jack Crowley, who seamlessly filled the boots of veteran Johnny Sexton, and Italy’s inspirational captain and openside flanker, Michele Lamaro, who was the tournament’s top tackler. The emergence of France’s Nolann Le Garrec as a promising young scrum-half is also highlighted as a breakthrough story in the 2024 rugby union Six Nations.
“With the 2023 Rugby World Cup final looming, the performances and developments from this year’s Six Nations will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the preparations and expectations for the upcoming global showpiece event in rugby union.”
🔗 Source
