What is the Six Nations?
The Six Nations Championship is rugby's oldest and most storied competition: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in a single round-robin every February and March. France are the 2026 champions — a 20th title, sealed 48–46 over England by Thomas Ramos's penalty with the final kick of the tournament.[1] [2]
How does it work?
Five rounds, each nation playing the others once, home advantage alternating year to year; a sweep of all five wins is the Grand Slam, victory among the four home nations the Triple Crown, and England–Scotland contest the Calcutta Cup, the oldest trophy in international rugby. The Women's Six Nations and U20 championship run in parallel each spring.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
Born as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, expanded by France into the Five Nations (fully from 1910) and by Italy into the Six Nations in 2000 — well over a century of unbroken annual competition, wars excepted.[1] [3]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | France | 20th title — 48–46 vs England in the Paris finale |
| 2025 | France | Title decided on the final day |
| 2024 | Ireland | Back-to-back champions |
| 2023 | Ireland | Grand Slam |
| 2022 | France | Grand Slam |
| 2021 | Wales | Four wins from five |
| 2020 | England | Completed in autumn (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Wales | Grand Slam |
| 2018 | Ireland | Grand Slam |
| 2017 | England | Back-to-back champions |
Champions of the last ten men's editions.
Why does it matter?
It is the northern hemisphere's annual summit and European rugby's defining stage — selection for a Six Nations squad is the elite credential of the European game, and its matches are among the continent's biggest sporting events.[1] [2]
References
- Six Nations Rugby — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- ESPN — France retain Six Nations title after chaotic 2026 finale. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Six Nations Championship. Accessed August 2026.