The Six Nations Championship, Europe's premier rugby union competition, has been a battleground of national pride and sporting excellence since its expansion in 2000. Let's dive into the illustrious list of champions who've etched their names in rugby history over the past two decades.
Captain: Martin Johnson
Points Scored: 90
Grand Slam: No
England kicked off the new millennium with a bang, setting the stage for what would be a dominant period in their rugby history.
Captain: Martin Johnson
Points Scored: 229
Grand Slam: No
Back-to-back victories for the English, showcasing their growing dominance in European rugby.
Captain: Fabien Galthié
Points Scored: 129
Grand Slam: Yes
Les Bleus stormed to victory with flair and finesse, claiming their first Grand Slam of the century.
Captain: Martin Johnson
Points Scored: 151
Grand Slam: Yes
A perfect season for England, foreshadowing their World Cup triumph later that year.
Captain: Fabien Pelous
Points Scored: 151
Grand Slam: Yes
France reclaimed the title with panache, matching England's point tally from the previous year.
Captain: Gareth Thomas
Points Scored: 102
Grand Slam: Yes
Wales roared back to life, ending a 27-year Grand Slam drought in spectacular fashion.
Captain: Fabien Pelous
Points Scored: 126
Grand Slam: No
France continued their impressive run, though narrowly missing out on the Grand Slam.
Captain: Raphaël Ibañez
Points Scored: 122
Grand Slam: No
A third title in four years for France, cementing their status as the team to beat.
Captain: Ryan Jones
Points Scored: 148
Grand Slam: Yes
Wales proved their 2005 victory was no fluke, clinching another Grand Slam with style.
Captain: Brian O'Driscoll
Points Scored: 121
Grand Slam: Yes
Ireland's first Grand Slam since 1948, led by the legendary Brian O'Driscoll.
Captain: Thierry Dusautoir
Points Scored: 135
Grand Slam: Yes
France reclaimed their crown with a dominant Grand Slam performance.
Captain: Mike Tindall
Points Scored: 117
Grand Slam: No
England's first title since their golden era of the early 2000s.
Captain: Sam Warburton
Points Scored: 109
Grand Slam: Yes
Wales continued their resurgence with another Grand Slam victory.
Captain: Sam Warburton
Points Scored: 122
Grand Slam: No
Back-to-back titles for Wales, though falling short of a consecutive Grand Slam.
Captain: Paul O'Connell
Points Scored: 132
Grand Slam: No
Ireland claimed victory on points difference in a nail-biting finish.
Captain: Paul O'Connell
Points Scored: 119
Grand Slam: No
Ireland retained their title, showcasing their consistency at the top level.
Captain: Dylan Hartley
Points Scored: 132
Grand Slam: Yes
England's first Grand Slam since 2003, marking the dawn of a new era.
Captain: Dylan Hartley
Points Scored: 115
Grand Slam: No
England retained their title but missed out on consecutive Grand Slams.
Captain: Rory Best
Points Scored: 159
Grand Slam: Yes
Ireland's third Grand Slam, achieved with a record points haul.
Captain: Alun Wyn Jones
Points Scored: 114
Grand Slam: Yes
Wales' first Grand Slam under Warren Gatland's second stint as coach.
Captain: Owen Farrell
Points Scored: 104
Grand Slam: No
England triumphed in a tournament disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Captain: Alun Wyn Jones
Points Scored: 121
Grand Slam: No
Wales bounced back to claim their 28th title in another pandemic-affected season.
Captain: Antoine Dupont
Points Scored: 141
Grand Slam: Yes
France's first Grand Slam and title since 2010, heralding a new golden generation.
Captain: Johnny Sexton
Points Scored: 172
Grand Slam: Yes
Ireland's fourth Grand Slam, achieved with a record-breaking points tally.
Most Titles Since 2000: England and Wales (6 each)
Most Grand Slams Since 2000: Wales (4), followed by France, England, and Ireland (3 each)
Highest Points Scored in a Season: Ireland (172 in 2023)
The Wooden Spoon, an unofficial award given to the team that finishes last, has been "won" by:
Italy (17 times)
Scotland (4 times)
Wales (1 time)
Italy has struggled since joining the tournament in 2000, often finishing last, but their passion and improvement efforts continue to add value to the championship.
Since 2000, the Six Nations Championship has provided rugby fans with unforgettable moments, from last-minute tries to Grand Slam deciders. England and Wales have dominated the winner's circle, but every nation has tasted glory. France's resurgence, Ireland's recent dominance, and Scotland's improvement promise an exciting future for this storied tournament.
As we look forward to future championships, one thing is certain: the passion, skill, and national pride on display in the Six Nations will continue to captivate rugby fans around the world. Who will lift the trophy next? Only time will tell, but the journey there will undoubtedly be filled with the drama and excitement that only the Six Nations can provide.
Photo by chris robert on Unsplash
