Six Nations Fever: Fun Facts and Trivia Before Kick-Off

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu in action during a Quilter Nations Series match between Scotland and Tonga at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 23, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The air is thick with anticipation, the bagpipes are tuning up, and palpable atmosphere inside Scottish Gas Murrayfield is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing: the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship is just around the corner!

So, before we settle in for a month of thrilling tries, crunching tackles, and nail-biting finishes, let’s get you in the mood with some fun facts and trivia about the greatest annual rugby championship in the world!

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 27 1871: Scotland team before taking on England in the first rugby international at Raeburn Place, on March 21, 1871, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

A Brief History  

The Six Nations, as we know it today, has a storied past. It all began in 1883 as the Home Nations Championship, contested by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. France joined the party in 1910, turning it into the Five Nations. But did you know that France was expelled from the tournament in 1931 due to allegations of professionalism (which was against the amateur spirit of the game at the time)? They weren’t reinstated until the championship resumed after World War II in 1947.

Italy became the sixth nation to join the fold in 2000, creating the modern Six Nations. It’s truly a testament to the tournament’s enduring appeal that it has evolved and grown over more than a century.

Did you know? The current Championship Trophy is lined with 22-carat gold. Why? To protect the silver from the corrosive properties of the Champagne that winners inevitably pour into it during the celebrations!

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 17, 1990: David Sole leading the slow walk-out during the 1990 Five Nations Championship between Scotland and England at Murrayfield, on March 17, 1990, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Grand Slams and Wooden Spoons

Every year, teams vie for ultimate glory – the Grand Slam, awarded to the team that defeats all five other nations. It’s a rare feat and a true mark of dominance. Scotland has achieved three Grand Slams in its history, the last coming in 1990, when the team were led out onto the pitch in a slow walk that to this day is referenced as having unsettled their fancied English opponents.

On the flip side, the team that loses all its matches is said to have won the Wooden Spoon. It’s the less glamorous, but equally memorable, award. While Italy has the most in the Six Nations era, it’s actually Ireland that holds the all-time record for the most last-place finishes across the tournament’s entire 140-year history.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – 24 FEBRUARY 2018: HRH the Princess Royal hands the Calcutta Cup to Scotland captain John Barclay during the RBS Six Nations match at BT Murrayfield, on 24 February 2018, in Edinburgh, Scotland.Rupees, Cobras, and Chaos 

For us Scots, there’s one trophy that holds a special place in our hearts, the Calcutta Cup. This coveted trophy is contested annually between Scotland and England. After the Calcutta Rugby Football Club disbanded in 1878, they withdrew their remaining 270 silver rupees from the bank, melted them down, and crafted this unique trophy. If you look closely at the cup, the three handles are actually King Cobras, and an Indian elephant sits proudly on the lid.