Six Nations tickets are among the most sought-after in international rugby — and many matches sell out long before kick-off. For fans hoping to attend a game in person, timing is everything.
This guide explains when Six Nations tickets usually sell out, which fixtures disappear fastest, and what affects demand, helping supporters understand what to expect when planning a trip to the tournament.
Do Six Nations Tickets Sell Out?
Yes — many Six Nations matches sell out every year, particularly:
- England home matches at Twickenham
- Wales home matches at the Principality Stadium
- High-profile rivalry fixtures
However, not every match sells out instantly. Demand varies depending on the teams playing, the stadium, and the stage of the tournament.
When Are Six Nations Tickets Released?
Six Nations tickets are typically released in phases, rather than all at once.
Typical Release Timeline
- Late summer to early autumn: Initial allocations released by unions and venues
- Autumn to early winter: Additional batches and returns appear
- January: Final availability and resale activity increases
- February–March: Limited availability close to matchdays
Because supply is released gradually, matches can appear “sold out” and then reappear later — adding to confusion for fans.
Which Six Nations Matches Sell Out Fastest?
Some fixtures consistently sell out earlier than others due to history, rivalry, and stadium capacity.
Highest-Demand Fixtures
- England vs Wales – Buy Tickets
- England vs Ireland – Buy Tickets
- Ireland vs England
- France vs England
These matches often sell out weeks or months in advance, particularly when played on weekends or when the championship title is at stake.
How Quickly Do England Six Nations Tickets Sell Out?
England home matches are among the hardest tickets to secure.
Why?
- Twickenham is the largest Six Nations stadium, but demand is even larger
- England typically hosts only two or three home games per tournament
- Away supporters also travel in large numbers
For major fixtures, many fans find that tickets are unavailable shortly after release, especially in central seating sections.
Do Wales Six Nations Matches Sell Out?
Wales matches at the Principality Stadium are famous for atmosphere — and demand reflects that.
- Rivalry matches often sell out quickly
- Weekend fixtures disappear faster than Friday night games
- Late-season title deciders sell out sooner
Despite the stadium’s large capacity, availability can become limited well before matchday.
Do All Six Nations Matches Sell Out?
No — some matches are easier to find tickets for, particularly:
- Italy home matches
- Fixtures involving teams lower in the table
- Matches scheduled earlier in the tournament
That said, availability can change rapidly, especially if teams are performing better than expected.
Factors That Affect Six Nations Ticket Demand
Several factors influence how fast tickets sell out:
1. Rivalries
Historic rivalries dramatically increase demand.
2. Tournament Importance
Matches that decide the title or a Grand Slam attract more buyers.
3. Day and Kick-Off Time
Saturday afternoon matches are in highest demand.
4. Stadium Capacity
Smaller venues sell out faster than larger stadiums.
5. Team Performance
Unexpected championship runs increase last-minute demand.
Is It Possible to Get Tickets After Sell-Out?
Yes — “sold out” doesn’t always mean impossible.
Tickets may still become available through:
- Returned allocations
- Hospitality releases
- Secondary ticket availability
- Late resale close to matchday
Availability often fluctuates right up until the week of the match.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Six Nations Tickets?
For fans wanting the best choice of seats, earlier is generally better. However:
- Early buyers get more seating options
- Later buyers may still find availability closer to kick-off
- Popular fixtures rarely become cheaper as matchday approaches
Planning ahead gives fans more flexibility, especially for travel and accommodation.
Why Are Six Nations Tickets So Popular?
Six Nations matches attract enormous interest because:
- They feature international teams at full strength
- They’re played in iconic stadiums
- Each nation hosts only a handful of matches per year
- The tournament happens only once annually
This combination creates sustained demand that often exceeds supply.
Six Nations tickets in 60 seconds
Six Nations tickets can sell out quickly — especially for rivalry fixtures and decisive matches — but availability depends on timing, location, and demand.
Fans who understand when tickets are released, which matches sell out fastest, and how availability changes are better prepared to plan their Six Nations experience.
Whether attending your first match or following a long-standing rivalry, knowing the demand patterns helps avoid disappointment.