Greatest Moments in Six Nations History: Winners, Facts and Tables

As rugby fans gear up for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations, we deep dive into the rich history, fascinating facts and relive the most unforgettable moments that have shaped this tournament.

The Six Nations tournament, formerly known as the Five Nations, is a prestigious and hugely popular rugby competition that dates back to 1883.

Each year, six teams - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy - fiercely compete for the coveted title of champions of Europe.

Throughout the years, this Six Nations has witnessed thrilling comebacks, unexpected upsets, and remarkable displays of skill and determination.

Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, highlighting the tournament's most significant moments and exploring the fascinating history of the Six Nations.

How did the Six Nations come together?

The tournament has its roots in the Home Nations Championship, which began in 1883 with the participation of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In 1910, France joined the competition, and it became known as the Five Nations.

For over 9 decades, the contest continued to be held as the Five Nations until 2000 when Italy was invited to join, and it became the Six Nations Championship. This expansion was aimed at increasing the competitiveness and commercial appeal of the tournament.

The Six Nations is now an annual international men's rugby union competition that takes place between the teams of the six nations. It has a rich history and is widely regarded as one of the premier rugby tournaments in the Northern Hemisphere.

How many Six Nations have there been?

The Six Nations Championship holds a prestigious place in the history of international rugby union tournaments.

It originated as the Home Nations Championship, which was played between England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales from 1883 to 1909 and again from 1932 to 1939. As the first-ever international rugby tournament, it laid the foundation for the modern game.

The introduction of France in 1910 transformed the competition into the Five Nations Championship, which lasted until 1999. Finally, in the new millennium, the championship welcomed Italy in 2000, when it evolved into the Six Nations Championship.

This expansion only served to enhance the vitality and global appeal of the tournament, solidifying its status as a pinnacle of rugby excellence.

Which country has won the most Six Nations (2000-present)?

Since the inception of the Six Nations Championship in 2000. England stands out as the clear frontrunner, boasting an impressive seven titles to their name.

Six Nations Past Winners

Here is a table showcasing the winners of the Six Nations tournament since its inception:

2000 England

2001 England

2002 France

2003 England

2004 France

2005 Wales

2006 France

2007 France

2008 Wales

2009 Ireland

2010 France

2011 England

2012 Wales

2013 Wales

2014 Ireland

2015 Ireland

2016 England

2017 England

2018 Ireland

2019 Wales

2020 No winner

2021 Wales

2022    France

2023    Ireland

What was the biggest Six Nations comeback?

The biggest Six Nations comeback of all time was Scotland v England in 2019.

Trailing 31-7 at half-time at Twickenham, Scotland looked down and out. However, in the second half, we saw a new Scotland. Two quick tries put the skip in their step as they went on to lead 38-31 before ending in a 38-all draw.

It remains the highest-scoring draw in international rugby and one of the greatest Six Nations matches of all time.

What have been the greatest moments in the Six Nations so far?

Ange Capuozzo try v Wales in 2022

Wales v Italy in the 2022 Six Nations was meant to be a day of celebration for two Welsh rugby legends, Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Biggar, as they reached major milestones in their international careers. The weather was perfect, and they were up against a team on a 36-match losing streak in the Six Nations. It seemed like a guaranteed win.

With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Josh Adams scored a try that gave Wales an undeserved lead. Despite their lacklustre performance, the Welsh team had a 21-15 advantage after Biggar successfully converted the try. They seemed to have regained control of the game.

But then, with only a minute remaining, Ange Capuozzo made a spectacular run from deep within his own half. He effortlessly evaded Adams' tackle and left Louis Rees-Zammit trailing behind.

Instead of going for the corner, Capuozzo wisely passed the ball to Edoardo Padovani, who scored the winning try right under the posts. Paolo Garbisi's successful conversion added insult to injury and shattered one fairytale ending while creating an unexpected storyline.

After suffering 16 consecutive defeats against Wales, Italy finally secured their first-ever victory over their opponents. This historic win also marked their first triumph in Cardiff, Wales. Furthermore, it ended a seven-year drought in the Six Nations tournament, as they had not won a game in the competition for that duration.

Johnny Sexton's 45m drop goal v France in 2018

For 70 minutes in the damp Paris weather, the game appeared to be heading towards a lacklustre win for the composed Irish team over the undisciplined French side. However, everything changed when France made a stunning counterattack, resulting in a magnificent try by Teddy Thomas that seemed to seal the game in their favour.

A challenge was now laid before Ireland. Suddenly trailing by a point after holding a comfortable six-point lead for most of the match, they had just over five minutes to respond.

With a relentless determination reminiscent of Munster, Ireland embarked on nearly 40 phases of play under the relentless rain without a single error. Despite the steadfast defence from the French team, who only managed to inch forward to the 10-meter line, it proved to be sufficient.

In a dramatic turn of events, with just 3 minutes and 42 seconds into the red, Johnny Sexton demanded the ball. From a whopping distance of 45 meters, he executed one of the most audacious drop goals ever witnessed in the history of the Six Nations, ultimately snatching a staggering victory.

Elliot Daly try v Wales in 2015

Dominating possession for the majority of the first quarter, England took the lead when Ben Youngs scored a try in the 18th minute. However, Wales steadily gained momentum throughout the half and managed to score a well-executed try from Liam Williams, propelling them to a 13-8 advantage heading into halftime.

Wales continued their offensive efforts after the break, but it was England who struck next, with Owen Farrell slotting in a penalty in the 56th minute. Not long after, Wales retaliated with a successful penalty kick from Leigh Halfpenny, widening the gap once again. With just ten minutes left on the clock, Owen Farrell's third penalty narrowed the score to two points, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

In a tense moment, as England found themselves deep in Welsh territory, the ball was unexpectedly turned over. With a swift kick downfield, the ball landed perfectly into the waiting hands of George Ford.

Ford swiftly returned the ball and in a moment of pure brilliance, Ford unleashed a perfectly timed pass to Owen Farrell, who in turn delivered a precision bullet-like pass to Elliot Daly. Daly seized the opportunity, outmanoeuvring Alex Cuthbert on the outside and expertly touching down in the corner, securing the winning try in the dying seconds of the match. With this extraordinary play, England emerged triumphant in Cardiff.

How to secure your spot at the Six Nations 2024?

Are you ready to experience even more unforgettable moments from the Six Nations in 2024?

Immerse yourself in the action like never before, with the best seats in the house and a mouthwatering selection of catering options and beverages available all day long.

Don't miss out on Scotland and Wales 2024 Six Nations hospitality packages, if you want to be a part of another incredible Six Nations experience!