The Six Nations Rules Explained

Whether watching the Six Nations is an annual tradition or you’ll be viewing this year’s tournament for the first time, you might have questions about the Six Nations rules. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, so you can start the tournament in the know.

Our rugby gurus have compiled all of the Six Nations info you need, from general FAQs to specific queries about the bonus points system. Without further ado, here’s our handy guide to the Six Nations rules.

How often is the Six Nations played?

The Six Nations is a rugby union tournament that is contested on an annual basis. Each tournament starts on the first weekend of February and the final day, Super Saturday, takes place on the second or third Saturday in March. 

How does the Six Nations work?

The Six Nations utilises a round robin format that sees each of the tournament’s six teams face each of the other teams once (either at home or away). In total, the tournament consists of 15 fixtures, with every team contesting five matches. The teams that compete in the Six Nations are: 

• England 
• Ireland 
• Scotland 
• Wales 
• France 
• Italy

Beginning in February, the Six Nations is typically held over seven weeks. Championship matches are arranged into five rounds, with three matches per round and two rest weeks.

Additionally, home advantage alternates each tournament. Every series, the teams alternate between three home and two away matches, or two home and three away matches. 

How does the Six Nations points system work?

The Six Nations uses two scoring systems: the standard rugby union points system and the bonus points system. In the standard system, teams are awarded points depending on the outcome of their matches. In the Six Nations, each team secures four points for a win and two points for a draw – no points are awarded for a loss.

In addition to the standard scoring system, teams also play for Six Nations bonus points. This system works in the same way as other international rugby tournaments, with one try scoring and one losing bonus point available. 

In order to secure the try scoring bonus point, a team must score four or more tries in a single match. Conversely, the losing bonus point is awarded to the team that loses a game by seven points or less.

Finally, if one team wins all five of their matches, they claim the Grand Slam. In this instance, they’re awarded an additional three bonus points. This ensures that a Grand Slam winning team cannot be overtaken in the table by a team that won more bonus points. 

How have Six Nations points changed?

The Six Nations points system was updated in 2017, when bonus points were introduced for the first time. Before this, the Championship only used the standard points system, with four for a win and two for a draw. 

How many Six Nations points for a win?

If a team wins a Six Nations match, they are awarded four points. If the team scores four or more tries, they will also receive one bonus point. This means that a team can claim a maximum of five points for a win. 

How are tiebreakers decided at the end of the Six Nations? 

To win the Six Nations, a team must climb to the top of the points table. If, at the end of the tournament, teams are tied on match points, the following tiebreakers are applied:

1. Points difference (total points scored minus the total points conceded), with the higher points difference ranked first
2. If this tiebreaker fails, teams are then separated by the total number of tries scored
3. If the tie remains, the teams are ranked equally and share the Championship title

When was the Six Nations sin bin introduced?

After introducing experimental law variations at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the sin bin was introduced at the first Six Nations tournament in 2000. This was the year that the format was expanded from the Five to the Six Nations Championship. 

Since then, the Six Nations has seen a whole host of rule changes and amendments. This includes the introduction of the shot clock, limits on water carrier interventions and restrictions on the use of TMO reviews.