Rugby
January 14, 2025

Less than three weeks remain until the 2025 Six Nations Championship kicks off and rugby fans all over the world are getting ready to enjoy spectacular moments delivered by world-class players. This year’s Championship is scheduled to run from 31 January to 15 March 2025, with the first match taking place on Friday night at Stade de France between France and Wales (31 January 2025, 21:15 CET).

The Six Nations Championship is one of the oldest and most popular international rugby union competitions, with a history dating back to the 19th century. It started in 1883 as Home Nations Championship, featuring England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. In 1910, France joined the competition and it transformed into the Five Nations Championship. The new format we know today – Six Nations Championship – was introduced in 2000, when Italy became the sixth participant.

Championship format, titles and rivalries

In this competition England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, and Italy play once against every other team, so there are five matches for each team. Points are awarded like this: four points for a win, two points for a draw, a bonus point for scoring four or more tries, or for losing by seven points or fewer; and three bonus points to the team that wins all five matches.

  • The Six Nations Championship Trophy is awarded to the team with the highest number of points at the end of the competition.
  • The Grand Slam is a title given to the team that succeeds in winning all its games.
  • The Triple Crown is a title that can be awarded only to one of the Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales) if it manages to defeat the other three.
  • The team finishing last also gets an unofficial title – the Wooden Spoon.

Calcutta Cup

The Calcutta Cup is a trophy awarded each year to the winner of the match played between England and Scotland during the Six Nations Championship. This iconic rivalry dates back to 1879, making the Calcutta Cup the oldest and one of the most prestigious trophies contested between any two international rugby union teams. England holds the most wins with 82.

Other trophies

  • Millennium Trophy: rugby union award introduced in 1988 and contested annually by England and Ireland. England holds the most titles, 21.
  • Centenary Quaich: rugby union award introduced in 1989 and contested annually by Ireland and Scotland. Ireland holds the most titles, 21.
  • Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy: rugby union trophy introduced in 2007 and contested annually by France and Italy. France holds the most titles, 15.
  • Auld Alliance Trophy: rugby union trophy introduced in 2018 and contested annually by France and Scotland. France holds the most titles, 4.
  • Doddie Weir Cup: rugby union trophy introduced in 2018 and contested annually by Scotland and Wales. Wales holds the most titles, 4.
  • Cuttitta Cup: rugby union trophy introduced in 2022 and contested annually by Scotland and Italy. Scotland holds the most titles, 2.

Will Ireland defend their crown in the Six Nations 2025?

Ireland enters the 2025 Six Nations Championship as the defending champions. With their consistent form and a strong core of experienced players, they remain favourites. Bookmakers are giving Ireland the best odds to win Six Nations 2025, however the other teams, especially France, won’t make it an easy task.

The 2025 tournament will definitely have intense moments and rugby fans can’t wait to see if Ireland will keep the title or if a new champion will emerge.