Championship History
Six Nations History
From the original Home Nations Championship in 1883, through the Five Nations era, to the modern Six Nations — this is the story of rugby's oldest international championship.
1883–1909
Home Nations Championship
The original international rugby championship contested between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
1910–1999
Five Nations Championship
France joined the championship in 1910 creating the Five Nations.
2000–Present
Six Nations Championship
Italy joined in 2000 creating the modern Six Nations Championship.
Championship Evolution
🏉
Home Nations
1883–1909
4 teams
⭐
Five Nations
1910–1999
5 teams
🏆
Six Nations
2000–Present
6 teams
Timeline
Championship Founded
The Home Nations Championship begins between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
France Join
France become the fifth nation creating the Five Nations Championship.
France Removed
France are temporarily expelled due to concerns over professionalism.
France Return
France rejoin following World War II restoring the Five Nations.
Italy Join
Italy become the sixth nation creating today's Six Nations Championship.
Bonus Points Introduced
The championship adopts the modern bonus point system.
Modern Champions
Every Six Nations champion since Italy joined in 2000.
EnglandChampion2001EnglandChampion2002
FranceGrand Slam2003EnglandGrand Slam2004FranceGrand Slam2005
WalesGrand Slam2006FranceChampion2007FranceChampion2008WalesGrand Slam2009
IrelandGrand Slam2010FranceGrand Slam2011EnglandChampion2012WalesGrand Slam2013WalesChampion2014IrelandChampion2015IrelandChampion2016EnglandGrand Slam2017EnglandChampion2018IrelandGrand Slam2019WalesGrand Slam2020EnglandChampion2021WalesChampion2022FranceGrand Slam2023IrelandGrand Slam2024IrelandChampion2025FranceChampion2026FranceChampion
Scotland
Italy