The Six Nations Championship is perhaps THE most highly-anticipated Rugby Union tournament in the game apart from the Rugby World Cup, and takes place annually from February to March. The nations that contest the event each year are England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Italy and France. Read on to find out all there is to know about this championship and Six Nations betting!
- Tournament Structure for the Six Nations
- Best Betting Sites for the 2022 Rugby Union Six Nations
- Best Bookies for Six Nations – Top 5 Ranked
- Six Nations Betting Odds, Promotions, Tips & Predictions
- 5 Reasons To Bet on the Six Nations
- Six Nations Betting Sites With Live Streaming
- Popular Six Nations Betting Markets
- Rugby Union Six Nations Individual Trophies
- History of the Six Nations
- Upcoming Sporting Events
- Similar Tournaments to the Six Nations
- Six Nations Betting FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
Tournament Structure for the Six Nations
- The format for the Six Nations is incredibly easy to understand as each team plays every other team only once, alternating between home and away matches annually. Matches are played across Europe, with Twickenham in London, Stade de France in Paris, Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome acting as the venues for the tournament.
- There is no play-off or final match with the Six Nations Championship either, the winner is simply the team that finishes on top of the league when all points have been added up. Teams are awarded 4 points for each winning match, plus 2 for a draw. Teams are also able to collect performance-based points, such as one bonus point for scoring at least four tries or for losing by 7 points or less. There are also three bonus points to be won should a team win the Grand Slam.
- The Six Nations Championship pits England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales against each other over the course of five rugby-packed weekends. The team that finishes last place is awarded the metaphorical Wooden Spoon award. Italy have won this award 15 times and only England and Ireland have never finished bottom.
Six Nations Fixtures 2022
| Date and Time (GMT) Match | Fixture | Venue | Broadcast Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 5, 2.15pm | Ireland v Wales | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | ITV |
| Saturday, February 5, 4.45pm | Scotland v England | BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh | BBC |
| Sunday, February 6, 3pm | France v Italy | Stade de France, Paris | ITV |
| Saturday, February 12, 2.15pm | Wales v Scotland | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | BBC |
| Saturday, February 12, 4.45pm | France v Ireland | Stade de France, Paris | ITV |
| Sunday, February 13, 3pm | Italy v England | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | ITV |
| Saturday, February 26, 2.15pm | Scotland v France | BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh | BBC |
| Saturday, February 26, 4.45pm | England v Wales | Twickenham, London | ITV |
| Sunday, February 27, 3pm | Ireland v Italy | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | ITV |
| Friday, March 11, 8pm | Wales v France | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | BBC |
| Saturday, March 12, 2.15pm | Italy v Scotland | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | ITV |
| Saturday, March 12, 4.45pm | England v Ireland | Twickenham, London | ITV |
| Saturday, March 19, 2.15pm | Wales v Italy | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | BBC |
| Saturday, March 19, 4.45pm | Ireland v Scotland | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | ITV |
| Saturday, March 19, 8pm | France v England | Stade de France, Paris | ITV |
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#1
 bet365
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
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#2
 Coral
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#3
Paddy Power
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18+ New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#4
 Betfred
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• New UK customers only. Register using the promo code BETFRED60, deposit, and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative price Evens+) within 7 days of registration. • First bet must be on Sports. £20 in Free Bets to be used on Sports, £10 in Free Bets to be used on Lotto, and 50 Free Spins (20p per spin) credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. • Further £20 in Free Bets credited 5 days after settlement. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#5
 BoyleSports
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
*New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile only. £20 in FREE Bets (FB) as £10 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7 day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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Best Bookies for Six Nations – Top 5 Ranked
#1 bet365
#2 Coral
#3 Paddy Power
#4 Betfred
#5 BoyleSports
Six Nations Betting Odds, Promotions, Tips & Predictions
The 2022 Six Nations Rugby Union tournament will kick off on Saturday 5th February in Dublin, when Ireland take on Wales in the opening fixture. The final game of the series will be held in Paris on Saturday March 19th, when France host England in what could well be the championship decider. Check back soon for the latest rugby Six Nations odds.
Six Nations Betting Odds 2022
| Nation | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| France | 13/8 | Paddy Power |
| England | 11/4 | BetVictor |
| Ireland | 9/2 | William Hill |
| Wales | 8/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Scotland | 11/1 | Betfair |
| Italy | 1000/1 | 888sport |
Six Nations Betting Tips & Predictions 2022
- Although they haven’t won the Six Nations Championship since 2010, France have been installed as the early favourites in the Six Nations betting by the bookmakers. Back in 2010, the French swept all before them winning the Grand Slam in the process which they sealed with a 12-10 win over England in Paris. That could well be the same outcome once again as the English return to the French capital for the final fixture of this year’s tournament. France were brilliant to watch during their recent series in Australia. If they play like that in the upcoming Six Nations, then they will take all the beating with possibly only England running them close.
- Home advantage can play such a huge role in these games and England are away this year to many of the heavy hitters, with a visit coming up to Edinburgh also on the horizon. In the 6 Nations betting, England are considered to be the second favourites and it’s hard to disagree. Depending on how the tournament plays out, it could all come down to the last day in Paris. Eddie Jones is gradually developing the core of a new and exciting young team, bringing in new players. If these can gel in time for the championships, then there will be no excuses for failing to challenge for the title. As we stand, England have ten wins in the last 15 games against France.
- As for Ireland, they are third in the rugby betting. The Irish enjoyed a fine Autumn Internationals which included a superb win over New Zealand’s All Blacks. They also have to head to Paris for their game against France and it is their turn to take on the English away. Both are tough tests, but they can take heart from their win over the Kiwis and if Johnny Sexton is fit, then they have every chance.
- Despite winning it last year – and nearly sealing the Grand Slam on the last day
– defending Six Nations champions Wales aren’t favoured in the Rugby Union betting. But then, nobody gave Wales a chance last year and they ended up being the team of the tournament. Wayne Pivac’s men had a woeful Autumn Internationals, losing heavily to New Zealand and struggling to overcome both Fiji and Australia, both of whom had been shown red cards early on. Elsewhere, it’s the unlikely but unfancied Scotland that could be the surprise package of the tournament. Scotland have never won the Six Nations, last winning the Five Nations back in 1999. So, these Rugby betting tips are predicting that the title will be contested by England, France and Ireland but France have home advantage in both of these matches which makes Les Bleus the slight favourites in our book. Oh, and get your Rugby bet on now for Italy to win the wooden spoon.
Six Nations Betting Promotions 2022
5 Reasons To Bet on the Six Nations
#1 For the passion of the fans.
#2 For the home nation rivalries.
#3 Because it’s the most watched annual international competition in rugby.
#4 For the top European rugby players.
#5 For the Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland.
Six Nations Betting Sites With Live Streaming
Popular Six Nations Betting Markets
Following what is typically a quiet January, the Six Nations – which traditionally begins in early February – is arguably the first big sporting event of the year to entrance viewers.
As is the case with the Olympics, the FA Cup final, Wimbledon, the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championships and the Rugby World Cup final, it's not just the rugby zealots that end up glued to their screens. Non-rugby fans and general sports enthusiasts alike tend to find the time to watch these 15 x 80-minute wonders. The wide-ranging audience and hype built around these games make rugby betting and, indeed, Six Nations betting, intense and plentiful. Keep reading for the best six nations betting markets.
Outright Winner of the Six Nations Betting
A simple bet that is placed on the team you believe will win the tournament. This particular bet is reserved for the nation that finishes the tournament on the top of the table and is ultimately crowned the winner. Note, therefore, that your chosen team need not win the Triple Crown or the Grand Slam in order for you to collect on this bet.
Best Six Nations betting site for outright winner: Coral
Six Nations Triple Crown or Grand Slam Winner Betting
The Triple Crown CANNOT be won by either Italy or France. This particular award can only go to the competing home nations – those that make up the United Kingdom – which are England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. In order to win the Triple Crown, one of these teams must beat another British home nation team when they meet in a solitary campaign.
Although the award does add flavour to the competition, it has no real relevance outside of the tourney other than providing bragging rights. Should a team also go on to beat France and Italy, they will win the Grand Slam – the award for winning all five fixtures during a campaign. Both of these can be exploited for a Six Nations betting opportunity; either “Will a team win the Grand Slam?” or, for higher odds, “Will a specified team win the Grand Slam?”. Whatever you choose, it’s an exciting bet to make.
Best Six Nations betting site for Triple Crown or Grand Slam: 888sport
Winner of Individual Six Nations Trophies Betting
In the Six Nations, there are individual trophies awarded to the winners of certain fixtures (listed below), which can be bet on. Essentially, if you bet on the winner of the Calcutta Cup, you are backing the team you think will win when England play Scotland. You could even accumulate the various winners in a stacked bet for extra fun and extra awards, remembering to cash out if necessary.
Best Six Nations betting site for winners of the various trophies: Ladbrokes
Leading Six Nations Try Scorer Betting
This is the rugby equivalent of a top goal scorer bet in football or top run maker in cricket. It is simply a bet on the player, usually a winger, who will record more tries in the tournament than any other. If you are unsure on who to pick for this bet, then finding out the best rugby betting tips is advised.
Best Six Nations betting site for leading scorer: Betfred
Rugby Union Six Nations Individual Trophies
Aside from the Six Nations Championship itself, there are a number of smaller, localised trophies awarded for winning a particular match or accomplishing specific achievements.
History of the Six Nations
The inaugural Six Nations Championship was held in 1883, 12 years after England and Scotland contested the first ever Rugby Union International. The championship only included England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, which was still part of the United Kingdom at the time.
Back then, the event was labelled the Home Nations Championship and was initially won by the English and the Scottish before Wales enjoyed a period of domination. It wasn’t until 1894 that Ireland recorded their first ever Six Nations win. In 1888 and 1889, England were excluded from competing after their refusal to sign up to the International Rugby Football Board.
Although they had competed in four tournaments previously, France didn’t officially join until 1910. This, naturally, meant that the tourney became known as the Five Nations. In 1931, following professionalism accusations, France were expelled from the competition, not participating again until re-joining in 1939.
However, due to conflict in Europe, international rugby was paused until 1947, meaning France would have to wait to get involved. The French would go on to win their first title in 1959 before enjoying substantial success throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The tournament played out the rest of the century as the Five Nations before Italy joined in 2000 as the tournament rebranded itself as the Six Nations. On 11 occasions, Italy have lost every single match in one tournament. In 2020, the Six Nations tournament was severely impacted by the coronavirus when the competition which was well underway at the time was paused and put on hold to be resumed later in the year. Just three months after the belated conclusion of the 2020 Six Nations, the 2021 renewal got underway as normal but without spectators.
Recent Six Nations Winners
| Year | Winners | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Wales | France |
| 2020 | England | France |
| 2019 | Wales | England |
| 2018 | Ireland | Wales |
| 2017 | England | Ireland |
| 2016 | England | Wales |
| 2015 | Ireland | England |
| 2014 | Ireland | England |
| 2013 | Wales | England |
| 2012 | Wales | England |
| 2011 | England | France |
Six Nations Key Stats
- England are the most successful team in the Six Nations tournament history, having won the event 70 times.
- England is also the team with the most Grand Slams – a total of 13.
- In over 100 games played since they joined the competition in 2000, Italy have only won 12 matches.
- Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll is the all-time leading try scorer in the competition, having carried the ball over the line a whopping 26 times. He’s followed by Ian Smith with 24 tries.
- Ronan O’Gara, also of Ireland, is the leading points scorer in the history of the championships, having amassed an incredible 557 points in his career.
Upcoming Sporting Events
Similar Tournaments to the Six Nations
- 6th – 26th November 2022, Autumn Internationals (Autumn Nations): This tour sees the biggest teams from the Southern Hemisphere tour Europe every year.
- 28th May 2022, Challenge Cup Final: The final of the Challenge Cup, which will take place in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- 8th September – 28th October 2023, Rugby World Cup: The Rugby Union World Cup will take place in France in 2023.
Six Nations Betting FAQs
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Viewers in the UK can watch all the action live on both BBC 1 and ITV 1.
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The Championship is held annually, starting each February and finishing in March.
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England have won the Six Nations seven times, one more than Wales, who is in second place with six wins.
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Yes, it’s called the Wooden Spoon, and most bookies will accept bets on the recipient.
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Yes, online bookmakers will offer real-time odds as the game is ongoing.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
The Rugby Union Six Nations tournament is considered to be the second biggest Rugby Union competition in the world, even though only England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy contest it each year. The championship has been in its current six team format since 2000 when Italy first participated, extending the competition from five to six nations. Since then, the most successful team has been England with 7 wins, followed by Wales who have won it 6 times and France who have finished top on five occasions.
It is this closeness and unpredictability that makes the Six Nations betting so exciting, with all manner of bet types available. From picking the winner of the championships, the Triple Crown or Grand Slam (should there even be one), to predicting the potential “winner” of the Wooden Spoon, there is always something to bet on with the Rugby Union Six Nations!
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