The Six Nations Championship is one of the most famous and fiercely contested tournaments in world rugby. This Six Nations beginner’s guide will explain all. Played annually between Europe’s leading rugby nations, it combines elite sport, historic rivalries, and some of the best matchday atmospheres in international rugby.
If you’re new to the tournament, this Six Nations beginner’s guide explains what the tournament is, who plays, how it works, and why it attracts millions of fans every year.
What Is the Six Nations?
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union tournament held every spring. It features six European national teams competing for the title of champion over five rounds of matches.
The tournament is known for:
- Intense national rivalries
- Iconic stadiums
- Packed crowds and global TV audiences
- A unique points and trophy system
Unlike knockout tournaments, the Six Nations is played in a round-robin format, meaning every team plays each other once.
Which Teams Play in the Six Nations?
The six teams competing are:
- England
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Scotland
- Wales
Image Credit: Conor Lawless
Each nation represents a proud rugby tradition, with England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and France forming the historic core of European rugby. Italy joined the tournament in 2000, expanding it from the original Five Nations.
When Is the Six Nations Played?
The Six Nations takes place every year between February and March.
- Matches are typically played on weekends
- The tournament lasts five rounds
- Each team plays five matches (two or three at home, the rest away)
Because the schedule avoids club rugby conflicts, it attracts the best international players available.
How Does the Six Nations Format Work?
The Six Nations uses a round-robin league format:
- Each team plays every other team once
- Teams earn points based on match results
- The team with the most points at the end wins the championship
Points System
- Win: 4 points
- Draw: 2 points
- Loss: 0 points
- Bonus point: 1 point for scoring four or more tries
- Defensive bonus: 1 point for losing by seven points or fewer
This encourages attacking rugby and keeps the table competitive until the final weekend.
What Is the Grand Slam?
A Grand Slam is achieved when a team wins all five of its matches in a single tournament.
It is considered the highest possible achievement in the Six Nations and is celebrated almost like a trophy in its own right. Not every tournament produces a Grand Slam winner, which adds to its prestige.
What Is the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown applies only to the “Home Nations”:
- England
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
If one of these teams beats the other three in the same tournament, they win the Triple Crown — regardless of the overall championship standings.
Famous Six Nations Rivalries
Some rivalries in the Six Nations are older than the tournament itself.
England vs Scotland – The Calcutta Cup
One of rugby’s oldest rivalries has been played for the Calcutta Cup since 1879.
England vs Wales
Often, decisive matches feature electric atmospheres at Twickenham or the Principality Stadium.
Ireland vs England
A modern rivalry intensified by recent championship deciders and historic wins.
France vs England
Known for dramatic, unpredictable encounters and passionate crowds in Paris.
These rivalries are a major reason why Six Nations tickets are so sought after each year.
Where Are Six Nations Matches Played?
Image Credit: brewbooks
Each nation hosts matches at its national stadium, including:
- Twickenham Stadium – England
- Stade de France – France
- Aviva Stadium – Ireland
- Principality Stadium – Wales
- Murrayfield Stadium – Scotland
- Stadio Olimpico – Italy
Many of these venues regularly sell out, particularly for rivalry fixtures.
Why Is the Six Nations So Popular?
The Six Nations remains unique in world rugby because:
- It combines elite international rugby with deep history
- Fans can travel easily between host nations
- Every match matters in the league format
- Stadiums are known for exceptional atmosphere
- It’s accessible to new fans and seasoned supporters alike
Unlike global tournaments held every four years, the Six Nations delivers high-stakes international rugby every season.
Is the Six Nations Good for First-Time Rugby Fans?
Yes — the Six Nations is often recommended as the best introduction to international rugby.
Why?
- Clear structure
- Familiar annual schedule
- Passionate crowds
- Easy-to-follow table and scoring
- Short tournament length
Many fans attend their first live rugby match during the Six Nations.
Video Credit: ごろうさん
What are you waiting for?
The Six Nations Championship is more than just a rugby tournament. It’s a celebration of national pride, historic rivalries, and world-class sport — played in some of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or planning to attend a match in person, understanding how the tournament works makes the experience even more enjoyable. And you can be there live with Six Nations Tickets!