Six Nations
How does the Six Nations work? The ultimate beginner’s guide to rugby’s biggest tournament
How does the Six Nations work? The ultimate beginner’s guide to rugby’s biggest tournament
The Six Nations Championship is one of the most iconic tournaments in world rugby — a celebration of national pride, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. But if you’re new to the sport, you might be wondering: how exactly does the Six Nations work? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re planning to watch live or follow from home, here’s everything you need to know about rugby’s biggest annual competition.
🏉 Who plays in the Six Nations?
The Six Nations features six European rugby powerhouses:
England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
Each team represents its country in both home and away fixtures, with passionate fans filling legendary stadiums like Twickenham, the Aviva Stadium, and the Stade de France. Every year, the hosting rotation changes, so no two tournaments feel quite the same.
📅 When does it take place?
The Six Nations runs annually from February to March, over five weekends of thrilling rugby action. Matches are typically played on Saturdays and Sundays, giving fans a packed schedule of top-tier international clashes.
🔢 How does the format work?
Each team plays five matches, facing every other nation once. Home advantage alternates every year — if England hosts Ireland in 2025, they’ll travel to Dublin in 2026.
At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points on the table wins the Six Nations Championship Trophy.
🧮 The points system explained
Teams earn points in the following way:
-
4 points for a win
-
2 points for a draw
-
0 points for a loss
-
1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
-
1 bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer
A team that wins all five matches achieves the prestigious Grand Slam, earning three extra points to ensure they finish top of the table.
🏆 Special Achievements and Rivalries
Beyond the overall title, there are historic sub-trophies within the Six Nations:
-
Triple Crown – for the Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) if one beats all three others.
-
Calcutta Cup – contested between England and Scotland.
-
Millennium Trophy – played between England and Ireland.
-
Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy – between France and Italy.
These rivalries date back over a century and give each fixture a story of its own.
🌍 Where can you watch the Six Nations live?
Watching the Six Nations in person is a bucket-list experience for any sports fan.
From the electric atmosphere in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to the roaring crowds at Murrayfield or the flair of Paris on match weekend — every city brings its own magic.
At Tixsphere, we make it easy to experience it all.
Book your Six Nations tickets, explore city trips around the matches, and make your rugby getaway one to remember.
✈️ Ready for kickoff?
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to rugby, the Six Nations offers something truly special — tradition, intensity, and unforgettable memories.
Explore our Six Nations experiences and start planning your trip today.
Discover Six Nations