Complete guide to all 6 Six Nations rugby stadiums.
From Twickenham's tradition to modern rugby cathedrals.
Everything you need to know about the 6 iconic rugby stadiums hosting the Six Nations Championship. From historic Twickenham to Rome's Stadio Olimpico - complete venue guides, travel information, and booking details.
The birth of international rugby union competition, where England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland first competed for championship glory
France joins the championship in 1910, creating the Five Nations era that would define European rugby for nearly a century
In 2000, Italy joined to create the Six Nations Championship, ushering in the professional era of European rugby with enhanced competition and global reach.
Jump to Six Nations Era →Since 2000, the Six Nations has embodied rugby union's transition to professionalism, featuring the world's elite players competing in Europe's premier championship across iconic stadiums.
Italy's addition in 2000 marked a new era, bringing Mediterranean passion to the championship while expanding rugby's reach and creating the modern Six Nations format we know today.
Celebrating the champions of Europe's premier rugby championship from 2000 to 2024. Grand Slam winners are highlighted in gold - the ultimate achievement of beating all five opponents.
Explore the iconic stadiums where Six Nations rugby history is made, from Twickenham's hallowed turf to modern architectural marvels.
Experience the unique atmosphere, traditions, and passionate support that make each Six Nations venue a rugby pilgrimage destination.
15 matches across 5 weekends. Saturday kick-offs at 2:15pm & 4:45pm GMT, Sunday at 3:00pm GMT.
All stadiums accessible by public transport. Book accommodation early - hotels fill 6+ months ahead.
Prices from £40-500. Season tickets offer best value. General sale typically opens 6-8 weeks before matches.
Round-robin format. 4 points for wins, bonus points for tries & narrow losses. Grand Slam wins automatically.
The Home Nations Championship was established in 1883 as the world's first international rugby union competition. England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland competed in what would become the foundation of modern European rugby.
Played in the true amateur spirit, the Home Nations Championship showcased rugby at its purest form. Teams were selected by committee, and matches were played with fierce national pride and sporting honor.
France's inclusion transformed the tournament, adding continental flair and tactical innovation. The Five Nations era saw legendary encounters and the development of rugby as a truly European sport.
The Five Nations witnessed Wales' 1970s dominance, France's tactical revolution, England's Grand Slams, and Scotland's memorable triumphs through war and peace, shaping modern rugby.
Modern broadcasting, commercial partnerships, and professional standards have transformed the Six Nations into rugby's most prestigious annual tournament with worldwide appeal.
Rugby union's transition to professionalism in 1995 fundamentally transformed the sport. When the International Rugby Board declared rugby union an 'open' game, it ended over a century of amateurism and paved the way for the modern era.
The Five Nations Championship was immediately impacted by this seismic shift. Players could now be paid, professional coaching structures emerged, and the quality of play reached unprecedented levels. This professionalization coincided perfectly with Italy's admission to create the Six Nations in 2000.
Commercial broadcasting deals transformed coverage, with Sky Sports and BBC bringing the championship to new global audiences. The tournament's economic value skyrocketed from thousands to millions of pounds in media rights alone.
Italy's inclusion in 2000 was more than expansion—it was rugby's acknowledgment of changing European dynamics. The Azzurri brought passion, the magnificent Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and a new market of 60 million potential rugby fans.
The move from Five to Six Nations required logistical revolution: extended tournament windows, additional broadcasting slots, and enhanced commercial structures. Each team now played five matches instead of four, creating 15 total fixtures and dramatically increasing the championship's entertainment value.
Professional coaching became standard, with legends like Clive Woodward (England), Warren Gatland (Wales), and Joe Schmidt (Ireland) applying modern methodologies. Player fitness, tactical analysis, and sports science reached new heights.
Professional rugby demanded professional venues. The Millennium Stadium (now Principality Stadium) opened in 1999 with its iconic retractable roof. Twickenham underwent massive redevelopment, becoming rugby's grand cathedral with 82,000 capacity.
Corporate hospitality flourished as business entertainment embraced rugby's values. Premium seating, executive boxes, and fine dining transformed matchday experiences while maintaining the sport's community spirit and tradition.
Modern safety standards, accessibility improvements, and enhanced facilities made rugby welcoming to all. Digital ticketing, mobile apps, and social media engagement created new ways for fans to connect with their teams and the championship.
The modern Six Nations generates over £300 million annually in economic impact across host nations. Television rights, sponsorship deals with brands like Guinness and Under Armour, and merchandising have created a commercial powerhouse.
Global broadcasting reaches 100+ countries, making the Six Nations rugby's most-watched annual tournament. Social media engagement exceeds millions during championship windows, attracting younger demographics to rugby union.
Tourism benefits are extraordinary: Rome alone sees 50,000+ visiting supporters during Italy's home matches, while Cardiff and Dublin become rugby capitals during championship weekends, generating millions in hotel, restaurant, and retail revenue.