The Six Nations Since 2000

The Six Nations is welcomed globally every year for the competitive spirit shown by the giants of Northern Hemisphere rugby.

As we enter the second round of this year’s competition, we took a look back at the results since the turn of the century, which make for intriguing reading.

As things stand, England have enjoyed the most success over the past nineteen years with a total of 6 titles, closely followed by France with 5 and 4 each for Wales and Ireland. Scotland and Italy have yet to hoist the trophy.

While England have enjoyed a successful double decade in the Six Nations, Wales have enjoyed Grand Slam success winning 4 Grand Slams, three under Warren Gatland. England have tallied just two Slams, as have Ireland, during the same period once under Eddie Jones and once under Sir Clive Woodward.

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect to the statistics is the stark drop in form of the French side over the last decade. France were clearly the dominant team from 2000 to 2010 with 5 championship victories, however, they were unable to win a single title from 2010 to present. They did manage three Slams between 2000 and 2010.

There has been much recent speculation in rugby circles as to whether the waves of foreign players infiltrating the popular and lucrative French club scene have had a detrimental effect on France’s home-grown talent rising to the top. Based on the facts and figures, there may well be some substance to this argument, however, could France’s impressive victory over the English in Round One be the catalyst of a long-awaited revival of Les Bleus under the astute management of Fabien Galthie?

Although Scotland, who were slower than most to embrace the concept of professionalism, have put forward a strong case for the most improved team in recent times, one suspects that they and the Italians will be playing for pride, as the 2020 Six Nations will most likely be contested by the traditional “Top 4” teams of the competition; France, England, Ireland and Wales.

Since the turn of the century, Scotland have failed to pick up a Triple Crown but have held the Calcutta Cup for five years during that time with Ireland bossing the Triple Crowns with five. Wales have four, as do England.

Interestingly, although the Six Nations has been won for two consecutive years by the same team a total of five times, no team has managed to win it three years in a row.