The History of the “Six Nations” rugby Tournament- Tom S

The “Six Nations” is set to begin on Thursday the Fifth of February. The Tournament was first formed in 1883 and was called the “Home nations”. Four teams competed England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The first ever tournament was won by England in 1883 as well as the second edition. The third edition was never played, and England also won the fourth edition joint with Scotland.

The “Home Nations” was later changed to the “Five Nations” in 1910 as France joined the tournament. They did not win one edition of the tournament before they were removed from the it in 1931. France was removed for allegations of professionalism and on-field brutality.

The Tournament was then returned to the name of the “Home nations” for 9 years until, The Second world war began, and the tournament was put on hold for six years (1940-1946).

In 1947 The tournament was returned to the name of the “Five Nations” as France rejoined the tournament. It would stay this way until over 50 years later! France would go on to get their first joint win of the tournament in 1954 with England and Wales. They then won their first tournament alone in 1959. In 1968 France would go on to win A Grand Slam (When a team goes undefeated in the tournament). Scotland would win the last Edition of the “Five Nations” in 1999.

In 2000, Italy joined the “Five nations” Making the Tournament the “Six Nations” as it is known today. Although, Italy have failed to win any “Six Nations” Tournaments, their best place being fourth in 2007 and 2013 being one of two teams to never win a “Six Nations” as well as Scotland, although they have won the tournament before being called the “Six Nations”. Scotland’s best place so far in the modern tournament has been third place in 2001, 2006, 2013 and in 2018.

Present Day, the 2025 Edition was won by France with England coming a close second place. France, England and Ireland are seen as top contenders in “Six Nations” this year. All three teams have strong squads. Although, I hope England win.

By Tom S