Six Nations (Image: Getty)
The Six Nations Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in rugby, bringing together England, Wales, Ireland, France, Scotland, and Italy in a fiercely-contested annual tournament. But how did these particular six teams come to be involved?
The tournament’s origins date back to the 19th century when it was known as the Home Nations Championship. Over time, it evolved, welcoming new competitors and growing into the modern event we know today.
With rivalries steeped in history, the Six Nations remains a highlight of the rugby calendar. Here’s a look at how it all began and why these teams compete against each other.
The origins of the Six Nations
The Six Nations began as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, featuring England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. It was the first international rugby tournament, laying the foundation for what would become one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
England and Scotland dominated the early years before Wales became a force to be reckoned with, winning multiple titles in the early 20th century. The championship expanded in 1910 to officially include France, transforming it into the Five Nations.
It is worth noting that France had already played in four ‘Home Nations’ championships before joining officially in 1910. They took time to establish themselves, but by the 1960s and 70s, they became a strong team, winning several titles.
In 2000, the competition evolved once again as Italy joined, creating the Six Nations format we know today. Italy’s inclusion expanded the tournament’s reach and brought new challenges for the traditional powerhouses.
France and Wales (Image: Getty)
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Why are there six teams in the Six Nations?
The original four teams (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) were chosen because they were the then home nations of the United Kingdom, where rugby had strong roots. The addition of France came as their stature in rugby grew, making them a natural fit for the tournament’s expansion in 1910.
However, France was excluded from the tournament in 1931 after allegations that many of their players were being paid salaries by their clubs. The Five Nations had a strict amateur players only policy back then. France was later welcomed back into the fold in 1947.
Italy’s inclusion in 2000 was also a recognition of their progress in international rugby. They had shown promise in European competitions, and their addition looked to strengthen rugby’s presence across the continent. Although they have struggled for wins, their participation has added depth and competition to the championship.
While other European nations like Georgia or Portugal have made strides in rugby, the Six Nations remains an exclusive club. Its long-standing rivalries, historical significance, and commercial success keep the current six teams firmly in place.
Interestingly, there have also been question marks over Italy’s inclusion, with critics pointing out their constant losses. They’ve finished bottom of the table 18 times since they joined the Six Nations in 2000. But in recent years, Italy has started winning games against Wales, Scotland and even France.
What’s at stake in the Six Nations?
Beyond the overall Six Nations title, teams compete for several other trophies. The Grand Slam is the ultimate achievement, awarded to a team that wins all five of its matches. Wales and France have won the most Grand Slams after the tournament expanded to six teams (four each).
The Triple Crown is contested between England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Winning all three of these matches secures the honour, with Ireland (7) leading the tally post 2000.
There are also individual trophies for rivalries. The Calcutta Cup is fought between England and Scotland, the Millennium Trophy between England and Ireland, and the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy between France and Italy.
The Six Nations today and its future
Since the turn of the century, the Six Nations has remained a cornerstone of international rugby, drawing millions of fans every year. The tournament has also played a major role in the development of European rugby, helping these six nations refine their squads ahead of World Cups.
In recent years, discussions have taken place about potential changes to the format, with some advocating for promotion and relegation to give emerging nations like Georgia and Romania a chance to compete.
For now, the current six-team format remains intact. Whatever happens in the future, what is certain is that the tournament will continue to be one of rugby’s most cherished competitions.