⏱️ 8 minute read | Updated August 2026
Buying tickets for the Guinness Six Nations isn’t always straightforward. Some matches sell out quickly through official channels, while others become available later through resale marketplaces.
If you’re planning to attend a Six Nations match, understanding the difference between official and resale tickets can help you make the right decision for your budget, travel plans and preferred fixture.
In this guide, we’ll explain how both routes work, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to choose the option that best suits your situation.
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Whether you’re planning months in advance or searching for last-minute availability, compare the latest ticket options for every Six Nations fixture.
📖 In This Guide
🏉 Quick Summary
| Official Tickets | Resale Tickets |
|---|---|
| Sold at face value | Prices reflect market demand |
| Limited allocations | Greater availability |
| Usually released in phases | Available throughout the season |
| Popular matches sell out quickly | More flexibility for sold-out games |
| Best for early planners | Best for late planners |
What Are Official Six Nations Tickets?
Official Six Nations tickets are distributed by the participating rugby unions and their authorised partners. Depending on the country and fixture, supporters may be able to access tickets through membership schemes, rugby clubs, ballots or hospitality programmes.
Because demand regularly exceeds supply for many headline fixtures, official tickets can sell out quickly once released.
Advantages
- Face-value pricing
- Direct from official sources
- Ideal if you know your travel plans well in advance
Things to Consider
- Limited availability
- Membership or ballot requirements for some fixtures
- Less flexibility if you miss the initial sales window
👉 Planning ahead?
Don’t miss our guide on When Do Six Nations Tickets Go on Sale?
What Are Resale Six Nations Tickets?
Resale tickets become available after the initial official sales period. They can provide an alternative route for supporters who were unsuccessful in obtaining tickets through official channels or who decide to attend closer to matchday.
Availability and pricing can vary depending on the fixture, demand and timing.
For high-profile matches such as England v Wales or Ireland v France, resale demand is often strongest, particularly in the weeks leading up to kick-off. Typically, resale tickets are widely sold on Viagogo and StubHub.
Advantages
- Wider availability for sold-out fixtures
- More seating choices
- Useful for last-minute plans
Things to Consider
- Prices may be above or below the original face value depending on market demand
- Availability changes frequently
- Popular matches remain highly sought after
🎟 Compare Current Ticket Availability
Planning to attend the Six Nations? Check the latest availability across the tournament.
Official vs Resale: At a Glance
| Feature | Official | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Face-value pricing | ✅ | ❌ |
| Availability | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Choice of seats | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Last-minute options | ❌ | ✅ |
| Flexibility | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ideal for planning ahead | ✅ | ✅ |
Which Option Is Best for You?
🏉 First-Time Supporter
If this is your first Six Nations match and you have plenty of time to plan, exploring official ticket routes first is often worthwhile. If those options are unavailable, resale marketplaces can provide additional flexibility.
✈️ Travelling from Overseas
Supporters travelling internationally often prioritise certainty over waiting. Having confirmed tickets before booking flights and accommodation can simplify planning.
⏰ Last-Minute Buyer
If you’ve made a spontaneous decision to attend, resale availability may offer the greatest chance of finding tickets, although prices and availability can fluctuate.
💷 Budget-Conscious Supporter
If keeping costs down is your main priority, start monitoring ticket availability early and compare your options over time rather than waiting until the last minute.
🎓 Supporter’s Verdict
There’s no single “best” way to buy Six Nations tickets—it depends on your circumstances.
If you’re organised and know exactly which match you want to attend, official ticket routes are a great starting point.
If you’ve missed the initial release or need more flexibility, resale marketplaces can provide additional options for many fixtures.
The key is to start planning early, understand the differences between each route and choose the approach that best fits your budget, schedule and travel plans.
Common Myths About Six Nations Tickets
There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding Six Nations ticket sales. Here are some of the most common myths—and the reality behind them.
Myth 1: Official Tickets Are Always Available
Reality: Official allocations for the biggest fixtures are often limited and can sell out quickly, particularly for traditional rivalries such as England v Wales, England v Scotland and Ireland v France. Planning ahead is essential if you’re hoping to buy through official channels.
Myth 2: Resale Tickets Are Always More Expensive
Reality: While high-demand matches can command premium prices, resale prices are influenced by supply and demand. Depending on the fixture and timing, some tickets may be available at similar prices to the original sale, while others may be significantly higher or lower.
Myth 3: Waiting Until the Last Minute Always Saves Money
Reality: Last-minute availability does increase for some events, but the most sought-after Six Nations fixtures often remain in high demand right up to kick-off. Leaving everything until the final few days can reduce your seating options and increase uncertainty, particularly if you’re travelling.
Myth 4: Every Match Is Equally Difficult to Buy
Reality: Demand varies considerably throughout the championship. Matches involving historic rivalries or title-deciding weekends typically attract much greater interest than others. Understanding these demand patterns can help you decide when early planning is most important.
Five Common Buying Scenarios
Every supporter’s situation is different. Here’s how we’d approach some of the most common scenarios.
🏉 “I’m planning months in advance.”
Start by understanding the official ticket process and key release dates. If official allocations are unavailable, you’ll still have plenty of time to monitor resale availability before booking travel.
Recommended reading:
- How to Buy Six Nations Tickets
- When Do Six Nations Tickets Go on Sale?
✈️ “I’m travelling from overseas.”
Flights and accommodation often represent the largest part of your overall trip cost. Securing your match tickets before finalising travel plans can provide greater confidence when booking.
⏰ “I’ve decided to go at the last minute.”
Resale availability may offer the greatest flexibility if you’ve made a spontaneous decision to attend. Keep checking availability, as listings can change regularly in the days leading up to the match.
👨👩👧 “We’re travelling as a group.”
Finding several seats together can become more difficult closer to matchday. Planning early generally gives you the widest range of seating options.
💷 “I’m trying to keep costs down.”
If budget is your main consideration, compare availability over time and remain flexible on fixtures where possible. Some matches naturally experience lower demand than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are official Six Nations tickets cheaper than resale tickets?
Official tickets are normally sold at their original face value. Resale prices vary depending on demand and availability and may be above or below the original price.
Can I still get tickets after official sales have finished?
Yes. Depending on the fixture, tickets may still become available through resale marketplaces after the initial official sales period.
Which Six Nations matches are hardest to get tickets for?
Traditional rivalries such as England v Wales, England v Scotland, Ireland v France and France v England are typically among the most sought-after fixtures.
Is hospitality considered an official ticket?
Hospitality packages are generally offered through official hospitality providers and combine match tickets with additional benefits such as premium seating, food and drink or exclusive lounge access.
When should I start looking for tickets?
For the biggest matches, it’s sensible to begin planning several months before the tournament. Starting early gives you more options and allows time to compare different buying routes.
Continue Planning Your Six Nations Trip
Whether you’ve decided to explore official sales or resale availability, these guides can help you plan the rest of your rugby weekend.
There is no single “best” way to buy Six Nations tickets.
For supporters who can plan well in advance, official ticket routes provide the opportunity to purchase at face value, although availability is often limited for the most popular fixtures.
For those who have missed the initial sales window or require greater flexibility, resale marketplaces can provide an alternative route to attending the championship.
Whichever option you choose, the most important advice remains the same: start planning early, understand your options and give yourself the widest possible choice before making travel arrangements.
🎟 Ready to Find Six Nations Tickets?
Whether you’re looking for tickets to a historic rivalry or planning your first Six Nations experience, compare the latest availability for matches across the championship.