EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SIX NATIONS
Published: 12/01/2026 | By: Jasmin Bodman
Rugby – the contact sport famed around the world for just being SO good. It’s a sport that brings people together both physically, thanks to the tactful contact you may not get in other sports (sorry football, we love you, but rugby has a special place in our hearts) as well as metaphorically. However, if you’re a new fan who wants to learn the ropes, or you’re a lifelong supporter who wants to brush up on their knowledge, we’ve put together this quick guide on all things Six Nations.
Whether you’ve been out of the rugby loop for a while or just want a knowledge refresh, we’d say it’s important to note that the Six Nations is one of rugby’s biggest tournaments. It’s been adored by rugby fans for decades, since its humble beginnings in the 1880s.
Since then, it’s amassed a huge following all over the world and each time the annual event rolls around, players and fans alike join together to show what rugby is truly about. So, let’s dive into all things Six Nations and get you clued up before the next championship.
WHAT IS THE SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP?
The Six Nations Championship is a famous rugby union event that takes place each year. There are six teams that take part (if you didn’t guess by the name), which include: France, Italy, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
It began all the way back in 1883, when it was known as the Home Nations Championship and only included four of the six countries. It progressed over the years, with name changes like Five Nations and Home Nations, but then finally settled on the Six Nations, as France and Italy were added to the mix.
The men’s tournament usually takes place over the months of February and March and lasts around seven weeks, with 15 games overall. The women’s Six Nations Championship this takes place over April and May.
In both cases, each team will play the other five once (this is also known as a ‘round robin’) and this can be either at home or away (we’ll get into this later) – so if you’re a super fan, you may even try to bag tickets abroad and score a holiday at the same time! It’s a win-win, right?
How Does Scoring Work?
If you’re new to rugby, the scoring system may seem a little confusing to you, but that’s why we’re here.
Here’s a quick rundown on the scoring system:
- Win – four points
- Draw – two points
- Loss – zero points
Despite this, teams can earn bonus points. For example, a bonus point can be awarded for scoring four or more tries in one match. What’s a ‘try’, you may ask? It generally refers to how you score in rugby. Players must ‘ground’ the ball in the opposition’s goal section of the field.
Another way to earn bonus points is by losing seven points or less – it’s known as a ‘losing bonus’.
However, if a team wins every single one of their five matches, they’re given three extra bonus points, which is known as the Grand Slam. This’ll mean that the winning team can’t be overtaken in the table by another team that may have acquired more bonus points.
What Trophies Or Awards Can Be Won During The Six Nations?
There’s a few different trophies and titles that can be won during the Six Nations Championship, so let’s run through a few of the top honours.
- Championship trophy – who doesn’t want to win this one? This is given to the overall winner at the end of the tournament
- Triple Crown – this is awarded when a home nation, so England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales, beats all three of the others within the same year
- Grand Slam – as mentioned above, this is when the champion manages to win all five of their matches. It’s important to note though, this is a title and not a cup
- Wooden Spoon – technically, this isn’t a trophy or award and you wouldn’t actually want your team to win this. It’s essentially awarded to the team that finishes last place, but don’t worry, it’s not official
Where Are The Six Nations Being Held This Year?
In 2026, the Six Nations will be held across six stadiums, to reflect the six teams playing. These include: Stade de France (France), Allianz Stadium (England), Stadio Olimpico (Italy), Aviva Stadium (Ireland), Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Scotland) and the Principality Stadium (Wales).
HOW DO THE FIXTURES AND VENUES WORK?
As mentioned earlier, each team plays every other team once, so England, for example, will have five games in total. Each match lasts 80 minutes, divided into two halves, with additional time added as needed to cover any stoppages. There’s a break between halves—perfect for grabbing a snack or refilling your drink!
Games are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, though the first match of the tournament can sometimes take place on a Thursday or Friday. However, this isn’t always the case, so be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss any of the excitement. There are also a couple of rest weekends throughout the competition.
Sounds straightforward, right? But how are the venues decided?
The locations rotate each season, allowing every team the chance to play both home and away matches. For instance, if France hosts England one year, the following season England will host France when the tournament returns.
LOOKING BACK ON PAST VICTORIES
Everyone’s got a memorable match or moment in sports and rugby has definitely had its fair share in fan-favourite moments. Last year, the 2025 champ was France, clinching the win with 21 points, followed closely by England, who fell short one point.
In 2000, which is when the Championship changed from the Five Nations to the iconic Six Nations, England were hailed the victors. In the 25 years since, the champions have been a mix of all of the teams, with some Grand Slam wins thrown in for good measure from France, Wales, Ireland and England.
If you’re into your history, we’ll let you in on the first ever winner. England won the first Home Nations game (before it was re-branded as the Six Nations), all the way back in 1883.
Iconic Six Nations Moments
We’re sure you’ve got your own iconic moments in mind (we definitely do) and it’s great to relive the glory days - or not so glorious for some! From electric crowd-pleasers to those we’re sure some would prefer to leave in the past, all of these moments make up the wonderful Six Nations and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve put together some of our chosen moments from the past few decades, but of course there’s too many to name!
Ireland brings home the Grand Slam after 61 years
In 2009, Ireland was crowned the winners of the Six Nations, a whole 61 years after their last Grand Slam win in 1948. A victorious day for players and fans alike.
England vs. Scotland – a tie for the ages
In 2019, a match between England and Scotland brought the tension and rivalry fans love to see. The game ended in a draw, 38-38.
England losing on home turf
Everyone remembers the 2004 match between Ireland and England, right? England had just won the year before in 2003, they were riding on a high and hadn’t lost on home soil since the late 90s. However, this game saw Ireland victorious against England with a 13-19 score.
Italy wins after seven years of defeat
In 2022, Italy defeated Wales in a match, marking their first-ever win at the Welsh stadium and ending their long period without victories.
Which Players Have Reigned Supreme Over The Six Nations
There’s plenty of players in the Six Nations who bring the fire and determination needed to succeed in a rugby match, and some have shone bright over the years. From Johnny Sexton (Ireland) scoring hundreds upon hundreds of points for the team and helping lead them to multiple victories, to Sergio Parisse (Italy), who’s appeared in the most games with 69 appearances, between his active Six Nations years of 2004 and 2019, there’s players old and young who have shaped the Six Nations into what it is today.
PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SIX NATIONS 2026
With some pretty big talent stepping up to play in the Six Nations Championship, you may be wondering who you should keep an eye on. Quick defending, lightning speed down the pitch, each player brings something different to the game, but who really stands out when it’s time to play?
Henry Arundell (England). He’s quick, he’s electric, and he’s only 23. The wing/fullback is one to watch in this Six Nations after spending some time in France’s Top 14. Another star player to watch is Jack Dempsey (Scotland) - he’s got the experience and determination that could potentially help lead Scotland to victory.
Nicolas Depoortère, a centre for Les Bleus, is dynamite on the field. His strong physique pairs well with his attack and defense style, making him a player to watch in 2026.
Of course, there’s plenty of players who deserve applause, but who will you be cheering for?
SIX NATIONS KIT THAT’S PERFECT FOR WATCHING AND PLAYING
Getting into the team spirit has never been easier at Sports Direct. Whichever team you support, you can deck your wardrobe out with our collection of Six Nations clothing. Attending matches in person or watching from your sofa, there’s always a reason to don a rugby shirt. Not only will you feel like a part of the fandom, repping the colours of your team with pride, but you can style a rugby jersey easily, before, during and after the Championship is done.
Check out our collection of jerseys to prep for the upcoming Six Nations even in February - we’ve got our shirts, have you got yours?
A DIVE INTO THE SIX NATIONS
This has been your cheat sheet into the Six Nations Championship, for beginners who aren’t sure what it is or for lifelong fans who need a refresh. We’ve given you the lowdown on the basics as well as a brief look into the past; all that’s left to do now is look forward to a stellar 2026 competition.
