The Six Nations Rugby Championship is an annual event that brings together the best rugby teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. Since the tournament’s inception in 2000, there have been some dominant teams that have left a mark on the history of the sport. Here, we take a look at the best Six Nations rugby teams of all time.
- England (2001)
The England team of 2001 is widely considered to be the best Six Nations team of all time. They won all five of their matches, scoring 112 points and conceding just 25. Led by captain Martin Johnson and coached by Clive Woodward, the team went on to win the Rugby World Cup later that year.
- Wales (2012)
Wales’ 2012 Six Nations team was another dominant force, winning all of their matches and securing their second Grand Slam in five years. Led by Sam Warburton and coached by Warren Gatland, the team scored 15 tries and conceded just six points in their final three matches.
- Ireland (2018)
Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations team set a new record for the most points and tries scored in a single Six Nations campaign. Led by captain Rory Best and coached by Joe Schmidt, the team won all five of their matches, scoring 221 points and 20 tries.
- France (2004)
France’s 2004 Six Nations team was a formidable force, winning all five of their matches and securing their first Grand Slam in four years. Led by captain Fabien Pelous and coached by Bernard Laporte, the team scored 13 tries and conceded just three.
- England (2003)
The England team of 2003 may not have been as dominant as their 2001 counterparts, but they achieved the ultimate goal by winning the Rugby World Cup that year. They also won the Six Nations, winning four of their five matches and conceding just two tries.
- Wales (2005)
Wales’ 2005 Six Nations team may not have won the Grand Slam, but they did secure their first Triple Crown in 11 years. Led by captain Gareth Thomas and coached by Mike Ruddock, the team won four of their five matches, scoring 10 tries and conceding just five.
In conclusion, the Six Nations Rugby Championship has produced some of the best rugby teams of all time. From England’s dominant 2001 team to Ireland’s record-breaking 2018 team, each of these teams has left a lasting legacy on the sport. With the tournament set to continue for many years to come, it will be exciting to see which teams will leave their mark on the history of Six Nations rugby.
- Wales (2019)
Wales’ 2019 Six Nations team was another impressive force, winning four of their five matches and securing their third Grand Slam in 11 years. Led by captain Alun Wyn Jones and coached by Warren Gatland, the team scored 16 tries and conceded just seven.
- England (2016)
England’s 2016 Six Nations team won their first Grand Slam in 13 years, winning all of their matches and conceding just four tries. Led by captain Dylan Hartley and coached by Eddie Jones, the team scored 13 tries and were praised for their strong defense.
- Ireland (2015)
Ireland’s 2015 Six Nations team won their second consecutive championship, winning four of their five matches and conceding just three tries. Led by captain Paul O’Connell and coached by Joe Schmidt, the team scored 13 tries and were praised for their clinical execution.
- France (2006)
France’s 2006 Six Nations team won four of their five matches, securing their second Grand Slam in three years. Led by captain Fabien Pelous and coached by Bernard Laporte, the team scored 13 tries and conceded just four.
Overall, the Six Nations Rugby Championship has seen some incredible teams compete over the years, and these are just a few examples of the best of the best. With each new tournament, there is the possibility of a new team rising to the top and creating their own legacy in the sport. Rugby fans from all over the world will undoubtedly be tuning in to see which team will come out on top in the next Six Nations championship.
FAQ
The Six Nations is an annual rugby union competition between six European nations: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy.
When does the Six Nations take place?
The tournament takes place every year between February and March.
How long has the Six Nations been running?
The Six Nations tournament began in 2000, following the addition of Italy to the Five Nations tournament.
How does the Six Nations tournament work?
Each team plays the other five teams once over a period of six weeks. The team with the most points at the end of the tournament is crowned Six Nations champions.
How are points awarded in the Six Nations?
Teams are awarded four points for a win, two points for a draw, and zero points for a loss. A bonus point is also awarded to teams that score four or more tries in a match or lose by seven points or fewer.
What is a Grand Slam in the Six Nations?
A Grand Slam is achieved when a team wins all five of their matches in the tournament.
Who has won the most Six Nations championships?
England and Wales have both won the tournament outright on six occasions. France has won the championship on five occasions, Ireland on four occasions, and Scotland on three occasions. Italy is yet to win the tournament.
Who has won the most Grand Slams in the Six Nations?
England has won the most Grand Slams with 13, followed by Wales with 12, France with 9, and Ireland with 3. Scotland has won 3 Five Nations Grand Slams but has yet to win a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Who are the current Six Nations champions?
Wales are the current Six Nations champions, having won the tournament in 2021.
QWhen is the next Six Nations tournament?
The next Six Nations tournament is scheduled to take place in February and March of 2022.
