The Six Nations Championship is one of the most celebrated and competitive rugby tournaments in the world, held annually between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each country’s stadium contributes significantly to the tournament’s unique character, atmosphere, and history, providing rugby fans with unforgettable experiences. In this article, we will explore the greatest stadiums that serve as the battlegrounds for the Six Nations, highlighting the best games ever played at these venues, and diving into their historical significance.
Stadiums Table: Capacity, Location, and Standout Games
| Nations | City | Stadium | Date | Scoreline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs. France | London | Twickenham Stadium | 21 March 2015 | England 55 – 35 France |
| Scotland vs. Wales | Edinburgh | BT Murrayfield Stadium | 1 March 1975 | Scotland 12 – 10 Wales |
| Wales vs. England | Cardiff | Principality Stadium | 16 March 2013 | Wales 30 – 3 England |
| Ireland vs. Scotland | Dublin | Aviva Stadium | 21 March 2015 | Ireland 40 – 10 Scotland |
| France vs. Wales | Saint-Denis | Stade de France | 20 March 2021 | France 32 – 30 Wales |
| Italy vs. France | Rome | Stadio Olimpico | 12 March 2011 | Italy 22 – 21 France |
These matches represent some of the most dramatic and memorable clashes in Six Nations history, each leaving a lasting impact on the tournament’s legacy.
Twickenham Stadium – England
Twickenham Stadium, located in southwest London, is the world’s largest rugby-dedicated stadium, with a capacity of over 82,000. Opened in 1909, Twickenham has become synonymous with English rugby, hosting countless memorable games. Nicknamed “The Cabbage Patch,” the stadium underwent significant redevelopments over the years, transforming it into a modern colossus.
One of the greatest matches played here was England’s 55-35 win against France in 2015. Despite the commanding scoreline, the game’s drama was electrifying, as England narrowly missed out on the Six Nations title due to points difference. Twickenham has also witnessed England securing Grand Slams, such as their comprehensive victory against Scotland in 2016.
Twickenham’s size and electric atmosphere make it a fortress for England, with fans creating a raucous environment that puts enormous pressure on visiting teams.
BT Murrayfield – Scotland
BT Murrayfield, located in Edinburgh, is the home of Scottish rugby, with a capacity of 67,144. Built in 1925, Murrayfield has hosted some of Scotland’s most thrilling Six Nations moments, including their famous 25-13 victory over England in 2018, where Scotland reclaimed the Calcutta Cup.
The stadium is known for its passionate supporters, and the 1975 encounter against Wales remains a standout. On that day, over 100,000 people crammed into Murrayfield to witness one of the greatest attendances in rugby history.
Murrayfield’s long history and the fervour of the Scottish supporters make it a special venue for the Six Nations. The stadium’s scenic location in Edinburgh’s West End only adds to its charm.
Principality Stadium – Wales
The Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, stands in the heart of Cardiff. Opened in 1999 with a seating capacity of 74,500, this venue is known for its retractable roof, ensuring ideal playing conditions regardless of the weather. The stadium is often considered one of the most atmospheric arenas in the world due to its intimate design and proximity to the city centre.
One of the greatest matches played here was Wales’ 30-3 demolition of England in 2013. This stunning victory handed Wales the Six Nations title, leaving their English rivals shell-shocked. The stadium also witnessed Wales securing their 2005 and 2008 Grand Slams.
The Principality Stadium is a cauldron of noise when the Welsh anthem, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,” is sung by tens of thousands of fans. The electric atmosphere, combined with its architectural uniqueness, makes it one of the most memorable stops on the Six Nations calendar.
Aviva Stadium – Ireland
Built on the site of the old Lansdowne Road, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin has been Ireland’s rugby home since its opening in 2010. With a capacity of 51,700, it may not be the largest of the Six Nations stadiums, but it is one of the most modern, boasting a distinctive glass façade.
One of the best matches played here was Ireland’s 40-10 victory over Scotland in 2015, a game that clinched the Six Nations title for Ireland due to their superior points difference. The Aviva also witnessed Ireland’s Grand Slam victories, including their hard-fought win against England in 2018.
The Aviva’s design ensures that even with a smaller capacity, the noise levels can be deafening. Its intimate nature makes it a fortress for Ireland, and its modern facilities provide an enhanced experience for fans.
Stade de France – France
Located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in the Six Nations, with a capacity of 80,000. Opened in 1998, the stadium is home to both the French national football and rugby teams. It has witnessed some incredible rugby moments, including France’s dominant 31-6 victory over England in 2004, a win that secured the Grand Slam for Les Bleus.
The Stade de France is known for its high-stakes matches, and its size creates an intense atmosphere that challenges even the most seasoned teams. One of the stadium’s most memorable games was France’s thrilling 32-30 victory over Wales in 2021, a result that ended Wales’ Grand Slam hopes and kept France’s title dreams alive.
Stade de France’s sheer scale and passionate French support create an unforgettable atmosphere, making it one of the premier venues in world rugby.
Stadio Olimpico – Italy
The Stadio Olimpico in Rome became the home of Italian rugby in 2012, replacing the smaller Stadio Flaminio. With a seating capacity of 70,634, it is one of the largest stadiums in Italy and serves as the home for both Lazio and AS Roma football clubs. Though Italy often struggles in the Six Nations, the Stadio Olimpico has witnessed some remarkable moments.
Perhaps the most memorable Six Nations game here was Italy’s 22-21 victory over France in 2011, their first-ever win against the French in the tournament. The stadium also saw Italy almost upset England in 2018, with England securing a 36-15 win after a fierce contest.
While Italy has yet to emerge as a dominant force in the Six Nations, the grandeur of the Stadio Olimpico provides an iconic stage for rugby in a city renowned for its rich history.
The Role of Stadiums in Six Nations Rivalries
The stadiums of the Six Nations Championship are woven into the fabric of the tournament, each offering a distinct setting that enhances the intensity of the competition. From the roaring crowds in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to the historic scenes at Murrayfield, these venues are more than just backdrops—they amplify the drama and glory of international rugby.
Across these storied European grounds, rugby’s greatest moments have unfolded, embedding them with legacies that continue to inspire both players and fans alike. These are the stages where the past, present, and future of rugby collide, making each stadium a vital part of the Six Nations experience.
FAQs
Which is the largest stadium in the Six Nations?
Twickenham Stadium in London is the largest, with a capacity of 82,000 spectators.
What is the oldest stadium used in the Six Nations?
BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland, opened in 1925, making it one of the oldest stadiums in the tournament.
Which stadium replaced Lansdowne Road in Ireland?
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin was built on the site of the old Lansdowne Road and opened in 2010, serving as Ireland’s national rugby stadium.
Have any Six Nations games been played outside the capital cities?
Yes, while most games are held in capital cities, France occasionally plays matches in other cities like Marseille, using venues like the Stade Vélodrome.
Which stadium witnessed Italy’s first Six Nations win over France?
The Stadio Olimpico in Rome hosted Italy’s historic 22-21 victory over France on 12 March 2011.
What was the highest-scoring match at Twickenham in the Six Nations?
The highest-scoring match was England’s 55-35 win over France on 21 March 2015.
Which stadium holds the record for the highest attendance in a rugby match?
Historically, BT Murrayfield had an unofficial attendance of over 100,000 during a match against Wales in 1975, but modern safety regulations have since reduced its capacity to 67,144.
When does the Six Nations take place?
The tournament typically runs from early February to mid-March each year. It consists of five rounds of matches, held over weekends.
How is the winner of the Six Nations determined?
The team with the most points at the end of the tournament is crowned the Six Nations Champion. Points are awarded for winning, drawing, and bonus points can be earned for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or less. If two or more teams are tied, the winner is decided based on points difference.
Which team has won the most Six Nations titles?
England has won the most Six Nations titles, followed closely by Wales. Both nations have had periods of dominance throughout the tournament’s history.
How can I watch Six Nations matches?
The Six Nations is broadcast globally, with various networks carrying the matches. In the UK, the games are typically available on free-to-air channels like BBC and ITV, while international viewers can access matches via streaming services and local broadcasters.
Has a team ever gone winless in the Six Nations?
Yes, a team that loses all its matches in the tournament is said to have won the “Wooden Spoon.” Italy has received this unwanted accolade multiple times since joining the tournament.
What is the longest unbeaten run in Six Nations history?
England holds the record for the longest unbeaten run, going 22 matches without a loss between 1995 and 1998. Several of those years were during the Five Nations era.
Who are some of the most famous players in Six Nations history?
Legendary players like Jonny Wilkinson (England), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), Sergio Parisse (Italy), and Gareth Edwards (Wales) have made significant contributions to the tournament, becoming icons of the Six Nations due to their performances and leadership.
