Six Nations Rugby: A Beginner's Guide
The Six Nations Championship is the biggest annual rugby union tournament in the Northern Hemisphere, contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales every February and March. With over 150 years of history and some of the most passionate fans in world sport, a Six Nations match day is an unforgettable experience.
How the Tournament Works
Each team plays five matches — one against each of the other nations. Three matches are at home and two away (alternating each year). The team with the most points at the end wins the Championship.
Grand Slam: Win all five matches and you achieve a Grand Slam — the ultimate prize.
Triple Crown: For the home nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales), beating all three of the others earns a Triple Crown.
Wooden Spoon: The team that finishes bottom receives the (unofficial) Wooden Spoon — a badge of dishonour that fans of other teams enjoy perhaps a little too much.
The Best Venues
Twickenham, London (England)
The home of English rugby seats 82,000 and has an electric atmosphere, especially for the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland. The west London location makes it easy to reach, with plenty of pubs around the ground for pre-match drinks.
Stade de France, Paris (France)
A trip to Paris for the rugby is one of sport's great weekends. The Stade de France holds 80,000, and the French fans bring incredible energy — especially when Les Bleus are in form. Combine it with a weekend in Paris and you have a perfect trip.
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)
Right in the city centre with a retractable roof, the Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) is arguably the best atmosphere in Six Nations rugby. The Welsh singing before kick-off will give you goosebumps, win or lose.
Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Ireland)
Dublin on match day is something special. The city comes alive with fans from both sides, and the Aviva's 50,000 capacity creates a cauldron of noise. Ireland have been dominant in recent years, making Dublin a fortress.
Getting Tickets
Six Nations tickets sell out quickly, especially for high-profile fixtures like England vs France or Ireland vs Wales. Prices vary significantly by venue, category, and match — from around £80 for upper-tier seats at Twickenham to £250+ for premium positions at marquee fixtures.
The best approach is to book early and compare prices across multiple suppliers. Look for three-day or hospitality packages if you want the full experience with food, drink, and premium seating.
Browse Six Nations tickets on Grandstand Tickets and find the best deals from verified suppliers for every fixture.