First Five Nations Rugby Championship
The first Home Nations Championship (later Five Nations, then Six Nations) was held
January 01, 1883
Rugby's Oldest International Championship
The Six Nations Championship traces its roots to 1883, when England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales first competed in what was called the Home Nations Championship. France joined in 1910, making it the Five Nations. The tournament ran under that name for most of the 20th century, with France occasionally suspended due to concerns about professionalism and violence in French club rugby. In 2000, Italy was added, and the competition was renamed the Six Nations Championship — the format that exists today. The 2000 Six Nations tournament was thus the first under the current name and six-team format.
A Tournament Built on Rivalry
The Six Nations is built on deeply historical rivalries. England versus Scotland in the Calcutta Cup is one of the oldest international rugby fixtures in the world, first played in 1871. Ireland versus England carries generations of political and cultural weight. France versus England has produced some of the most dramatic rugby ever played. The Grand Slam — beating all five opponents — is the tournament's ultimate prize, while the Wooden Spoon is dreaded by whichever nation finishes last. These stakes, combined with passionate home crowds and the physical nature of rugby union, make the Six Nations one of the most compelling annual sporting events anywhere.
The Modern Era
The Six Nations turned professional alongside world rugby in 1995, which dramatically raised the level of play. Fitness, tactical sophistication, and the quality of individual players all improved rapidly. Ireland has emerged as a dominant force in recent years, winning multiple Grand Slams. Wales, England, France, and Scotland have all experienced periods of excellence and decline. Italy has struggled to win consistently but has improved significantly. The Six Nations remains the most watched annual rugby competition in the world, drawing hundreds of millions of television viewers across Europe and beyond each February and March.