Everything you need to know about the Six Nations Championship
When did the Men’s Six Nations Start?
This could be considered something of a trick question. Whilst this tournament is the oldest Rugby Championship in the world, the ‘Six Nations’ itself did not begin until 2000.
Why is this the case?
In 1883 the competition began with just England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Otherwise known as the ‘Home Nations’.
In 1910 France joined the yearly tournament and soon-after the phrase ‘Five Nations’ was coined.
Fast forward a whole 90 years of hard-hitting tackles to 2000, to when Italy joined the championship. Despite a tough initiation competing with the existing countries, Italy began their tournament history with a statement victory over Scotland in Rome.
With Italy becoming part of the roster, the Six Nations was born. You can see the full list of winners, dating back to 1883, here.
How often is the Men’s Six Nations and when does it start?
The competition in its current format, and previous formats, is held annually. Usually starting in February and running through to the middle of March with rest in week 3 and 5.
There have only been a handful of years when the competition has not been completed. Notably between 1915-1919 and 1940-1946 as a result of the First and Second World Wars.
Each country plays the other five teams once, alternating home and away from year to year. This means each country has 5 fixtures, totalling 15 across the tournament.
Four points are awarded to a team for a win, two for a draw, and zero for a loss. In 2017, the bonus point system was used for the first time. This means if a team scores more than four tries in a game, they are awarded a bonus point. Countries can also earn a bonus point in defeat if their margin of loss is seven points or fewer.
There is another way to get bonus points on the board. If a team wins all five of their matches, thereby completing what is known as a ‘Grand Slam’, they are awarded three extra points.
Who has won the most Men’s Six Nations Championships?
Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland have the obvious advantage in terms of years competed. Despite this, France takes second place with the newly integrated Italians yet to make their mark.
If we look at the competition’s history as a whole:
England – 29
Wales – 28
France – 18
Ireland – 16
Scotland – 14
Italy – 0
Titles won under the ‘Six Nations’ name:
England – 7
France – 6
Wales – 6
Ireland – 6
Scotland – 0
Italy – 0
Women’s Six Nations Championship
In a similar fashion to the men’s competition, the Women’s iteration began as the ‘Home Nations’ with England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland in 1996. The competition then welcomed France in 1999.
A stark difference to the Men’s Six Nations, Spain replaced Ireland in 2000 for two years. Spain saw the start of the Six Nations in 2002 when Ireland rejoined.
In 2007 the Spanish were replaced with the Italians, bringing a synergy to the Men’s and Women’s competition.
All titles won by countries in the history of the tournament:
England – 18
France – 6
Ireland – 2
Italy – 0
Scotland – 1
Spain – 0
Wales – 0
Men’s Six Nations 2025 Fixtures
Fri 31st Jan: France v Wales, Stade de France; Paris
Sat 1st Feb: Scotland v Italy, Murrayfield Stadium; Edinburgh
Sat 1st Feb: Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium; Dublin
Sat 8th Feb: Italy v Wales, Stadio Olimpico; Rome
Sat 8th Feb: England v France, Twickenham Stadium; London
Sun 9th Feb: Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield Stadium; Edinburgh
BREAK
Sat 22nd Feb: Wales v Ireland, Principality Stadium; Cardiff
Sat 22nd Feb: England v Scotland, Twickenham Stadium; London
Sun 23rd Feb: Italy v France, Stadio Olimpico; Rome
BREAK
Sat 8th Mar: Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium; Dublin
Sat 8th Mar: Scotland v Wales, Murrayfield Stadium; Edinburgh
Sun 9th Mar: England v Italy, Twickenham Stadium; London
Sat 15th Mar: Italy v Ireland, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Sat 15th Mar: Wales v England, Principality Stadium; Cardiff
Sat 15th Mar: France v Scotland, Stade de France; Paris
To see a full list of sport, cultural, and entertainment events. View our comprehensive calendar.
Will the Men’s Six Nations 2025 be on TV?
The simple and accurate answer is yes! You will be able to watch all fixtures of the tournament on BBC and ITV in the UK.
Since 2002, the Six Nations has been situated on FTA TV. Primarily on the BBC.
In 2015, BBC and ITV joined forces to fight off a takeover bid from Sky Sports, which would see the sport move away from terrestrial television. A strategy which would remove Rugby even further from the spotlight.
This fight-off was successful and the two channels have shared broadcast rights since 2017.
However, in 2025 a rumour spread that TNT Sport (previously named BT Sport) was preparing a bid to challenge the broadcast rights which are coming to an end in 2026.
This promotes an often-had discussion between those in the Rugby World about the ways in which the sport needs to transform in order to reach a younger audience of sports fans who more-than-often drift towards football.
With far less spending power, Rugby is trying to grow its commercial avenues. A change of broadcasting rights might be a way to improve this. TNT Sports currently host live Premiership Rugby fixtures.
However, most Rugby fans would agree that keeping the famous competition on FTA TV would keep the sport in the world’s eye.
Who to look out for in the Men’s Six Nations 2025?
England: Cadan Murley
It could have been newly named captain Maro Itoje, but the new name on the team sheet is the one making the headlines.
England start their campaign with arguably their two toughest fixtures against Ireland and France. Therefore, they are looking at new blood to run the favourites ragged.
At the age of 25, Murley will start on the left wing for England following a strong season with his club side Harlequins. He will link up with club teammate and off-the-field best friend, Marcus Smith.
With Steve Borthwick seemingly in ‘last chance saloon’ he will be looking to his young English winger to cause positive mayhem in this season’s competition.
Scotland: Finn Russell
The main man at Bath will most likely be Scotland’s main man at the Six Nations once again.
Russell has been magnificent for Bath this season and will be the main source of hope for Scottish fans alongside winger Duhan van der Merwe.
With the British & Irish Lions Tour taking place this year in Australia (all you need to know about this here), this Six Nations will be even more vital for those looking to stake a claim.
Wales: Liam Williams
The 33-year-old has been recalled by Warren Gatland and many believe there is an outside chance he could make the Lions squad.
Wales finished with the Wooden Spoon in 2024, a place usually taken by the Italians. Showing just how poorly the side performed.
The proud Welsh Dragons will be looking to prove the doubters wrong this year and Williams may play a big part in that resurgence.
He missed last year’s competition whilst playing in Japan but is keen to lead the Welsh line following his move to Saracens.
Ireland: Sam Prendergast
The Irish will be looking to win their third Six Nations in a row, and could this man help them achieve the feat?
Ireland have been looking for a player to cement themself as a true replacement for Johnny Sexton and Prendergast is the one being tipped to do just that.
He made his Ireland debut during the 2024 Autumn Nations, playing just 154 minutes, but making a clear impression.
Even though he is not fully established at his club, Leinster, he could be one of those players who makes their name on the big stage first.
Still a young man, could this be start of an illustrious Irish tale?
France: Romain Ntamack
France fell short of the title in 2024, coming in second place, and will be looking to go one better in 2025.
The 25-year-old was forced to miss the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the subsequent Six Nations tournament.
His main competitors looking unlikely to challenge his place for the shirt. Therefore, looking favourite to retain the position he took as a 19-year-old in 2019, when he took part in his first championship.
He led the line in France’s 2022 Grand Slam and French Rugby fans will be hoping his presence will spur a repeat of that victory.
Looking to pair with (probably) the best in the world, Antoine Dupont, the fly half will be looking to kick off their championship in style against Wales.
Italy: Ange Capuozzo
Italy finished in 5th place in 2024 and will be thinking the sky is the limit in 2025.
The 25-year-old has been a shining light for Italian Rugby over recent times. He has been utilised as a fly half, winger, and fullback in his career and so it will be interesting to see which position he fits into.
New rules protecting the scrum half have spurred the suggestion that this will be where he fits into the Italian team.
Are Six Nations Experiences on Sale?
To enquire about Six Nation 2025 experiences, get in touch with a member of the Blend Group Team today.
