THE Six Nations is one of rugby’s most popular events, made up of Europe’s finest teams.
For those who may be tuning in to watch the tournament for the first time, here’s a look at the teams who take part and the history of it.
What teams make up the rugby Six Nations?
The Six Nations is made up of six International teams from Europe.
The teams are England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy.
France are the defending champions, having won the 2022 edition unbeaten. It was their first title since 2010.
It is four points for a win, with a bonus point given if a team scores four or more tries during a match.
Two points are given for a draw and no points for a loss.
When was the Six Nations created?
The tournament has been ran in its current format since 2000, when Italy joined the tournament.
Before this, it was known as the Five Nations from 1910 to 1931. This consisted of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France.
It returned to the Home Nations in 1931 when France were expelled from the tournament amid allegations of professionalism.
This was because Rugby Union was considered an amateur sport until 1995. France returned in 1947 after World War II.
Before France joined, It had been known as the Home Nations Championship from its inception in 1883.
Who has won the most Six Nations?
England and Wales currently hold the joint record of most titles in this competition, winning 39 each, although England have the most outright wins, with 29.
The rule was previously that the trophy could be shared, however since 1994, if teams are level on points, points difference is used, in terms of points scored by the team during the matches.
France have won it 26 times, Ireland 25 times and Scotland have won it 24 times.
Italy are the only nation in the tournament to have never won it, their highest finish being fourth in both 2007 and 2013.
There are other titles that can be awarded during the tournament as well, including the grand slam, which is achieved when a team wins all their matches.
Other titles that can be awarded during the tournament include the triple crown trophy, where one of the home nations beats the other three.
