Tournoi des Six Nations - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition between six European teams: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
- 2. The tournament was first held in 1883 as the Home Nations Championship, featuring only England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It became the Five Nations Championship in 1910 with the addition of France, and then the Six Nations Championship in 2000 with the inclusion of Italy.
- 3. Each team plays the other five once per season, with home advantage alternating each year. The team with the most points at the end of the tournament is crowned the Six Nations champion.
- 4. Points are awarded for wins, draws, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries in a match or losing by seven points or fewer.
- 5. The current holders of the Six Nations Championship are Wales, who won the 2021 tournament.
- 6. The Six Nations is one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby competitions in the world, attracting huge crowds and television audiences across Europe.
- 7. The rivalry between the six nations is intense, with traditional grudge matches such as England vs. Wales and Scotland vs. England drawing huge interest from fans.
- 8. The Six Nations is a key tournament in the annual rugby calendar, with players from the participating countries often using it as a platform to showcase their talent ahead of international tours and the Rugby World Cup.
- 9. The tournament has produced many memorable moments over the years, including legendary players such as Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll, and Sergio Parisse making their mark on the competition.
- 10. The Six Nations Championship is a highlight of the rugby union season, with fans eagerly anticipating each round of matches and the drama and excitement that comes with one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport.