The 2026 Six Nations Championship is set to ignite rugby passion across Europe, starting February 5, when defending champions France host Ireland in a highly anticipated opener at the Stade de France.
After clinching the title last year in dramatic fashion, Les Bleus enter as the odds-on favourites with those who bet on sports online to retain their crown. However, England loom large as fierce contenders, while Ireland face a daunting challenge, with three tough away games against France, England, and Scotland.
Beyond the battles for the title itself, the Six Nations is renowned for its rich tapestry of rivalries and the coveted trophies that add layers of history and pride to each fixture.
With five rounds of intense competition ahead, teams will vie not only for the championship but also for several traditional and symbolic prizes that fuel the tournament’s drama.
The Six Nations Trophy
At the heart of the tournament stands the official Six Nations Championship trophy, awarded to the team that tops the table after all five rounds. Winning this trophy marks a campaign of consistent excellence and is the ultimate prize for national pride.
Grand Slam
While not a physical trophy, the Grand Slam is a prestigious achievement awarded to any team that wins all five of their matches. Securing a Grand Slam is a statement of dominance and a historic feat, adding a celebrated chapter to a nation’s rugby legacy.
The Triple Crown
The Triple Crown is contested exclusively among the four Home Nations — England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. If one of these teams defeats the other three during the championship, they claim the Triple Crown, a badge of honour steeped in centuries of rivalry.
Historic rivalry trophies
The Six Nations is peppered with unique trophies symbolising the deep-rooted rivalries between specific nations:
Dating back to 1879, the Calcutta Cup is one of the oldest international rugby trophies. The fierce rivalry between England and Scotland is epitomised in this battle for bragging rights.
Introduced in 1988, this trophy celebrates the historic and often closely contested matches between England and Ireland.
A symbol of friendship and fierce competition, the Centenary Quaich is awarded to the winner of the Ireland-Scotland fixture, commemorating 100 years of rugby union ties between the two nations.
Named after the Italian revolutionary who fought in both France and Italy, this trophy celebrates the growing rivalry and camaraderie between the two nations.
Awarded since 2018, this trophy honours the World War I Scottish and French rugby players who lost their lives, deepening the emotional significance of the Scotland-France clash.
Also established in 2018, this trophy commemorates the late Scottish rugby great Doddie Weir and is contested annually by Scotland and Wales.
The newest addition to Six Nations trophies, introduced in 2022, the Cuttitta Cup honours the legacy of Italian rugby legend Massimo Cuttitta and celebrates the competitive spirit between Italy and Scotland.
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The Wooden Spoon
While there’s no physical award for this, the “Wooden Spoon” is an unwanted title given to the team that finishes last in the Six Nations. Wales will be hoping to avoid being served their third successive Wooden Spoon this year.
What to expect in 2026
The 2026 tournament promises fierce battles across all these fronts, and fans are already analysing permutations using tools like an accas calculator.
France, as reigning champions, will be eager to retain their crown and perhaps complete a Grand Slam, while England will look to reclaim their position at the top for the first time since 2020.
Ireland’s challenging schedule could make or break their campaign, and traditional rivalries — from the Calcutta Cup clashes to the battle for the Triple Crown — will inject extra intensity into the competition.
With so many trophies and honours on offer, every match carries weight beyond just the points table. Fans can look forward to a Six Nations filled with history, passion, and unforgettable moments as teams chase silverware and pride over five thrilling rounds.
