England stars’ long-standing Six Nations tradition over after opponents France implemented strict booze ban

ENGLAND'S rugby stars will not keep with a Six Nations tradition this weekend.

And it comes after France implemented a strict ban.

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Steve Borthwick's men host Les Bleus at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in their second match of the 2025 Six Nations tournament.

The Red Rose will be desperate to get their first win following last weekend's 27-22 defeat away at Ireland.

Historically, no matter the result, the on-pitch aggro and rivalry would be put aside after the full-time whistle and France would invite their opponents into the dressing room for a few beers.

It was seen as a classy gesture and a special time for the two sets of players to unwind together after 80 minutes of battle.

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However, the post-match beers together will not be happening this time around.

That is because the French Rugby Federation placed its stars on a booze ban.

And every member of the squad was even forced into signing a seven-page, 17-rule document outlining alcohol consumption and discriminatory language.

The new policy came in following France's tour of Argentina last year.

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Melvyn Jaminet uploaded a racist post on social media, prompting a 34-week ban and £25,000 fine.

Jaminet did apologise for his comments while the FRF said the Toulon full-back had "undermined the best interests of rugby".

2025 Six Nations Fixtures & TV Schedule

Round 1
France v Wales | January 31 at 8.15pm | ITV
Scotland v Italy | February 1 at 2.15pm | BBC
Ireland v England | February 1 at 4.45pm | ITV

Round 2
Italy v Wales | February 8 at 2.15pm | ITV
England v France | February 8 at 4.45pm | ITV
Scotland v Ireland | February 9 at 3pm | BBC

Round 3
Wales v Ireland | February 22 at 2.15pm | BBC
England v Scotland | February 22 at 4.45pm | ITV
Italy v France | February 23 at 3pm | ITV

Round 4
Ireland v France | March 8 at 2.15pm | ITV
Scotland v Wales | March 8 at 4.45pm | BBC
England v Italy | March 9 at 3pm | ITV

Round 5
Italy v Ireland | March 15 at 2.15pm | ITV
Wales v England | March 15 at 4.45pm | BBC
France v Scotland | March 15 at 8pm | ITV

Just two days after the social media video, Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou were arrested after allegations of sexual assault.

A 39-year-old woman claimed the rugby pair beat, choked and repeatedly raped her in a hotel room in Argentina - although the case was dismissed by a judge in December due to insufficient evidence.

Jegou and Auradou will be among the replacements for France at Twickenham.

However, there will be no Romain Ntamack.

Ntamack was sent off late on in the 43-0 thrashing of Wales last Friday and he faces three weeks out - cut down from a six-week suspension due to his clean disciplinary record.

England, meanwhile, bring in Fin Smith at fly-half and drop Marcus Smith to full-back while Ollie Sleightholme and Tom Willis also come into the starting XV - but Freddie Stewart is out of the 23-man matchday squad despite starting in Dublin.

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