It's that time of year again - the 2009 Six Nations Championship is underway in Europe until the end of March, pitting national teams against each other for victory. Each year, rugby teams from England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales compete against each other in each of the six countries.
Historically, the Six Nations is the successor to previous international tournaments, such as the Five Nations and Home Nations Champions. The tournament is now considered the premier international rugby union tournament - with the winner of the Six Nations being considered the European champions.
The tournament became known as the Six Nations when Italy joined the competition in 2000. Scotland was the last team to win the Five Nations championship before Italy joined. Following that, England won the first tournament as the Six Nations tournament.
Across all versions of the tournament, including Home Nations and Five Nations, England has accumulated the most tournament victories, with Wales coming in second.
In 2008, Wales took home the trophy for the top prize as they beat all other teams in the series of matches. Ireland is the only country who has yet to win the title prize.
The format of the tournament is simple, and the tournament lasts over two months through February and March of each year. Each team plays every other team once in each of the six nations. A series of points are awarded based on wins, losses and ties. Two points are given for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The team who ends with the most points is awarded the Championship Trophy.
Another distinguished award that each team can win during the tournament is the Grand Slam, which is awarded when one nation beats every other team.
In addition to these other awards, there are smaller competitions during the event, including the Calcutta Cup, which is contested each year between England and Scotland. The Millennium Cup is awarded to the winner of the England vs. Ireland match.
What's more, the Women's Six Nations Championship is held at the same time and across the same schedule as the men's tournament each year.
Rugby fans can rest assured they're seeing all the exciting moments during the Six Nations Championship this year and in years to come, when they're using digital recording technology like Sky boxes to record the action.
Digital video recorders take out the hassle of recording and viewing all your favourite programmes. Using technology like the Sky Plus Box means all your favourite moments will be recorded to watch and re-watch during the match. If you are an avid rugby fan then such features can ensure you need not miss your favourite team playing again.
Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
