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The History Of Six Nations Rugby And Its Ongoing Popularity Who Plays In The Six Nations? The Six Nations Championship is officially the oldest championship in the rugby world, originating in 1882. When it began, only the four countries that made up the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) played against each other. With the championship's rising popularity in the rugby world, France joined in 1910 and finally Italy in 2000. Although 130 years old this year, the Six Nations just keeps gaining popularity every year. Every 2012 game is expected to sell out and Italy has even moved to the much larger Olympic Stadium in Rome to cater for more fans. Compare this to other sports' similar championships - England V. Pakistan test cricket's viewing numbers are at an all time low, the FA Cup couldn't be further away from it's heyday and football's Home International Championship only lasted 100 years to 1984. There's a unique appeal to the Six Nations that excites all countries involved and keeps them interested year after year. Do Politics Hold The Answer? Perhaps it's the history and the politics of each country that helps to maintain the crowds at every rugby game played. As the Six Nations revolves around just six countries, it allows ancient rivalries to play out in modern times - all in the name of good-natured sport. Some sport historians argue certain games and the furor produced by them are more to do with the issues of the day than the actual match; a great example of this is the 1990 Grand Slam decider between England and Scotland - perhaps more of about the poll tax than the sporting glory. Rugby Scoring Explained Each country's team in the championship plays every other team once. Two points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. Unique to the Six Nations, the bonus point system is not used. Victory in every game results in a 'Grand Slam'. The History Of Six Nations Six Nations began as the Home Nations Championship from 1883-1909. With the addition of France in 1910, it became known as the Five Nations Championship until 1931. With France's temporary ban it reverted to the Home Nations from 1932 to 1939. Once the ban was lifted, the Five Nations was used from 1947-1999. With Italy's addition, the competition became known as the Six Nations. The Home Nations in 1883 was the first international rugby union tournament. The winners of the Six Nations Championship are also known as the European Champions.Wales are the current title holders, winning each of its matches played during the 2012 Championship, achieving a Triple Crown as well as a Grand Slam. Over the entire history of 112 tournaments, England has 26 wins, followed by Wales with 25, France with 17, Scotland with 14, Ireland with 11 and Italy has yet to win any in its 13 tournaments. Did You Know? France was kicked out of the Six Nations in the 1930s for violent play and secretly paying players. Experience Six Nations For Yourself If you want to feel the amazing adrenaline of the fans, the excitement of seeing a history-making match and having the chance to meet a number of internationally well-known rugby celebrities, try booking one of these Twickenham rugby packages. At the world famous Twickenham stadium, you get the luxury of a champagne reception, four course luncheon with wines and liqueurs and a hot post-match fork buffet. Also included is reserved seated tickets en-bloc to watch the match from, official programmes, Remy Martin VSOP heartwarmers for half-time and a fully stocked complimentary bar for the entire day. To add to the luxury, you also have experienced hostesses on hand at all times, a magnum of champagne per table for when you get back from the match and a flat screen TV and video to keep you entertained for the rest of the evening.
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