6 nations 2026: What to expect from the championship

Introduction: Why the 6 nations matters

The 6 nations championship is one of northern hemisphere rugby’s premier annual competitions, contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Running each year across February and March, the tournament has major sporting, commercial and cultural importance: it crowns regional supremacy, shapes coaching and selection decisions, and serves as a high‑intensity form guide ahead of global events. For fans and broadcasters alike, the 6 nations remains a focal point of the rugby calendar.

Main body: Format, teams and current context

Competition structure and scoring

The 6 nations is a round‑robin tournament in which each team plays five matches, facing every other nation once. The competition uses a points system that rewards victories and encourages attacking play: teams earn four points for a win, two for a draw, with bonus points available for scoring four or more tries in a match or for losing by seven points or fewer. A team completing a Grand Slam (winning all five matches) receives additional match points to ensure they top the table.

Participating nations and trophies

The six unions — England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales — contest the championship and several subsidiary honours. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales can compete for the Triple Crown (beating the other three Home Nations). The tournament also acts as a platform for emerging talent and a testing ground for tactical innovations at the international level.

Broader significance

Beyond sporting outcomes, the 6 nations drives substantial broadcast audiences across Europe and globally. It has economic impacts for host cities through matchday spending and tourism, and it is closely watched by national selectors as they build squads for larger international competitions. The tournament’s timing in early part of the year makes it a key milestone in the international rugby calendar.

Conclusion: Outlook and importance for readers

As the 6 nations unfolds, supporters should expect fiercely contested fixtures, strategic squad management and moments that influence longer‑term national plans. For players it offers a stage to stake claims for international careers; for coaches and administrators it provides performance data against top opposition. Whether following for national pride, player development or commercial interest, the 6 nations remains essential viewing and a barometer of northern hemisphere rugby form heading into future global tournaments.