The most successful coaches in Six Nations history

Here, we take a look at the men who have had the most success at the helm of their respective teams from 2000 onwards.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Warren Gatland (Wales)

• Win percentage: 61.11%

• Titles: 3 (2008, 2012, 2019)

• Grand Slams: 3

Gatland is the most decorated Six Nations coach in terms of titles and Grand Slams. His longevity and consistency with Wales are unmatched, despite his recent unsuccessful return during one of the most challenging periods in Welsh rugby history.

Gatland all smiles after winning the 2019 Grand Slam.

☘️ Andy Farrell (Ireland)

• Win percentage: 76%

• Titles: 2 (2023, 2024)

• Grand Slam: 1 (2023)

Farrell continued Ireland's transformation into a dominant force following the departure of Joe Schmidt, winning back-to-back titles and overseeing a record-breaking run of form. His aura and force of personality made him the ideal character to lead the British & Irish Lions on their 2025 tour to Australia - something that proved a successful appointment, likely to be repeated in 2029.

Farrell with the Triple Crown in 2023.

🇫🇷 Fabien Galthié (France)

• Win percentage: 75.86%

• Titles: 2 (2022, 2025)

• Grand Slam: 1 (2022)

Galthié revitalised French rugby, combining flair with the control he once showed as scrum-half and captain of his country. His 2022 Grand Slam was France’s first in over a decade, and his Les Bleus are the current title holders.

Galthié following France's 2023 victory against England.

🇫🇷 Bernard Laporte

• Win Percentage: 75%

• Six Nations Titles: 3 (2002, 2004, 2006)

• Grand Slams: 2 (2002, 2004)

Laporte brought structure and steel to Les Bleus, instilling discipline and consistency during his eight-year reign as head coach. Under his leadership, France won three Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams in 2002 and 2004. His tenure marked a shift from flair - though there was still plenty of this - to pragmatism, laying the foundations for future success.

Laporte boasts a strong Six Nations record.

🌹 Eddie Jones (England)

• Win percentage: 72.22%

• Titles: 3 (2016, 2017, 2020)

• Grand Slam: 1 (2016)

Jones led England to a Grand Slam in his first campaign after replacing Stuart Lancaster in 2015, and followed that up with two further titles. Innovative and unafraid to speak his mind, Jones's England tenure will be long remembered by the nation's fans and media alike.

Eddie Jones had an immediate and lasting impact on English rugby.

🌹 Sir Clive Woodward (England)

• Win percentage: 80%

• Titles: 3 (2000, 2001, 2003)

• Grand Slam: 1 (2003) `

Woodward revolutionised English rugby, blending professionalism with precision during his tenure as head coach. He led England to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2003 - the same year they became world champions. His analytical approach and belief in marginal gains helped transform England into the world’s number one side, setting new standards for preparation and performance.

Sir Clive Woodward was one of rugby's great pioneers.

☘️ Joe Schmidt (Ireland)

• Win percentage: 71%

• Titles: 3 (2014, 2015, 2018)

• Grand Slam: 1 (2018)

Schmidt brought precision and relentless preparation to Irish rugby, transforming the team into a world-class force. During his six-year tenure, Ireland won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2018 — their first in nearly a decade. His era also delivered historic wins over New Zealand and a series victory in Australia, elevating Ireland to number one in the world rankings for the first time.

Schmidt got the ball rolling for Ireland's new golden era.

🤔 Did you know?

Welshman Mike Ruddock has the highest win percentage (85.71%) of any Six Nations coach, but only coached seven Championship matches across the 2005 and 2006 seasons, which included the unforgettable '05 Grand Slam with Wales. Ruddock left his post after the round two victory against Scotland in the 2007 Six Nations.