2027 Six Nations: Everything You Need to Know

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The Six Nations Championship returns in 2027 as one of rugby’s most anticipated annual competitions, bringing together Europe’s elite international sides for a fast-paced, six-week battle for victory.

From historic rivalries to Grand Slam ambitions, here’s a complete guide answering the key questions about the tournament.

What is the Six Nations?

The Six Nations is an annual international rugby union tournament contested by six European nations. It is one of the sport’s oldest and most prestigious competitions, tracing its roots back to the 19th century.

The format is simple but highly competitive: each team plays every other team once, earning points across five matches to decide the winner.

It is widely seen as one of the most intense and tradition-rich tournaments in world sport.

Who competes in the Six Nations?

Six national teams compete every year:

When does the 2027 Six Nations start and finish?

The 2027 tournament is scheduled to begin on 5 February 2027, with a blockbuster opening fixture between Ireland and England on a Friday night.

It will conclude on 13 March 2027, when Ireland face France in the final match of the championship.

As ever, the competition will run across five rounds, culminating in a decisive final weekend of fixtures.

How does the Six Nations points system work?

Teams are ranked using a structured points system designed to reward both winning and attacking play:

  • 4 points for a win
  • 2 points for a draw
  • Bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
  • Bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer
  • Teams can earn both bonus points in a single defeat if they meet both conditions
  • A Grand Slam bonus (3 extra points) is awarded to any team that wins all five matches

This Grand Slam rule ensures a team that goes unbeaten will always finish top of the table.

What are the tiebreaker rules?

If teams finish level on points, the ranking is decided as follows:

  1. Points difference (points scored minus points conceded)
  2. Total tries scored (including penalty tries)
  3. If still tied, teams are ranked equally and may share the title if required

Who won the 2026 Six Nations?

The most recent edition in 2026 was won by France, who claimed back-to-back titles with a dramatic campaign.

France secured the championship after a thrilling 48–46 victory over England on March 14, 2026, finishing on 21 points, just ahead of Ireland.

Final 2026 Standings (Top 3)

  • Champions: France (21 points)
  • Runners-up: Ireland (19 points)
  • Third: Scotland (16 points)

The tournament also featured standout moments, including:

  • Italy’s first-ever win over England
  • A record-breaking 90-point match between Scotland and France

How many Six Nations titles have England won?

England national rugby union team have won the championship seven times in the Six Nations era, including two Grand Slams.

  • Last title: 2020
  • Last Grand Slam: 2016

Including earlier formats (Home Nations and Five Nations), England’s total rises to 39 championships, placing them just behind Wales overall.

Why do these countries compete in the Six Nations?

The Six Nations exists to bring together Europe’s strongest rugby nations in a structured annual competition built on historic rivalries.

It evolved over time:

  • Originally started as the Home Nations Championship
  • Expanded to include France
  • Later expanded again with Italy joining in 2000

Today, it serves as:

  • A showcase of Northern Hemisphere rugby
  • A key marker of international form ahead of global tournaments
  • A competition built on tradition, rivalry, and national pride

How can you watch England in the Six Nations?

All of England’s matches in the tournament are broadcast live on ITV and ITVX in the UK.

Highlights are also made available via the England Rugby website and official YouTube channel.

Six Nations past winners (recent years)

  • 2026: France
  • 2025: Ireland
  • 2024: Ireland
  • 2023: Ireland (Grand Slam)
  • 2022: France
  • 2021: Wales
  • 2020: England
  • 2019: Wales
  • 2018: Ireland (Grand Slam)

Final Word

The Six Nations remains one of rugby’s defining competitions, blending historic rivalry with modern intensity. With France defending their crown and Ireland opening the 2027 campaign against England, another dramatic chapter is already set in motion.

See our Six Nations 2027 VIP Hospitality experiences here