Over the last two months, one of rugby’s oldest and most historic competitions has been taking place — the Six Nations. This year’s tournament was as thrilling as ever, with the eventual winners only claiming the trophy by two points, both of which were bonus points awarded for performances throughout their five matches.
The tournament format sees six teams play a round robin, with countries earning points that contribute towards the standings. Attacking rugby is encouraged by awarding 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 0 for a loss. Bonus points are available for scoring more than four tries or for losing by 7 or fewer points.
A Brief History
The Six Nations originated 143 years ago in 1883 as the ‘Home Nations Championship’ — the first international rugby union tournament. France joined to form the Five Nations, before Italy’s addition in 2000 created the current Six Nations format we know today.
The 2026 Tournament
2026 was the year of a particularly exciting Six Nations, illustrated by the 111 total tries scored — the most ever in a single campaign at an average of 7.4 per match. Games ending 48-46 and 50-40 demonstrated the thrilling, attacking rugby played throughout.
France were favourites to win back-to-back titles, expected to be challenged by England and Ireland. The championship kicked off at the Stade de France where France defeated Ireland in a high-scoring opener, before England began their campaign with a dominant 48-7 victory over Wales.
Round by round the tournament fluctuated dramatically. Italy recorded their first-ever Six Nations win over England in a historic 23-18 victory. France suffered a record 50-40 defeat to Scotland at home, ending their grand slam hopes. Ireland won the Triple Crown before facing France in the decisive final match.
The Final Match
In the most dramatic conclusion, France vs England at the Stade de France with 78,000 in attendance decided the title. Seven tries in the first half set the tone. France trailed going into the final minutes before 22-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored his fourth try of the game in the 66th minute to regain the lead.
England answered back in the 77th minute to make it 45-46. France were awarded a penalty after the 80 minutes had elapsed. Thomas Ramos — the competition’s top scorer — stepped up to nail the kick from 47 metres, clinching the victory with the final action of the entire tournament.
Both France and Ireland finished with four wins each, but France claimed the title by earning a bonus point in all five games, leaving them on 21 points to Ireland’s 19.
Les Bleus were Six Nations Champions for the 8th time in the Six Nations era and 20th time overall.
