Last updated: 16.01.25 at 11:00am

As rugby fans gear up for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, we deep dive into rugby history, fascinating facts and relive the most unforgettable moments that have shaped this tournament.

The Six Nations tournament, formerly known as the Five Nations, is a prestigious and hugely popular rugby competition that dates back to 1883.

Each year, six teams - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy - fiercely compete for the coveted title of champions of Europe.

Throughout the years, this Six Nations has witnessed thrilling comebacks, unexpected upsets, and remarkable displays of skill and determination.

Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, highlighting the tournament's most significant moments and exploring the fascinating history of the Six Nations.

Book Six Nations 2025 hospitality

10. Elliot Daly's last-minute try against Wales in Cardiff: This try showcased England's skill and composure under pressure in a crucial away victory.

Dominating possession for the majority of the first quarter, England took the lead when Ben Youngs scored a try in the 18th minute. However, Wales steadily gained momentum throughout the half and managed to score a well-executed try from Liam Williams, propelling them to a 13-8 advantage heading into halftime.

Wales continued their offensive efforts after the break, but it was England who struck next, with Owen Farrell slotting in a penalty in the 56th minute. Not long after, Wales retaliated with a successful penalty kick from Leigh Halfpenny, widening the gap once again. With just ten minutes left on the clock, Owen Farrell's third penalty narrowed the score to two points, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

In a tense moment, as England found themselves deep in Welsh territory, the ball was unexpectedly turned over. With a swift kick downfield, the ball landed perfectly into the waiting hands of George Ford.

Ford swiftly returned the ball and in a moment of pure brilliance, Ford unleashed a perfectly timed pass to Owen Farrell, who in turn delivered a precision bullet-like pass to Elliot Daly. Daly seized the opportunity, outmanoeuvring Alex Cuthbert on the outside and expertly touching down in the corner, securing the winning try in the dying seconds of the match. With this extraordinary play, England emerged triumphant in Cardiff.

9. Shane Williams' winning try against Scotland in 2010: This try capped off a remarkable comeback for Wales in the final minutes.

Shane Williams' winning try against Scotland in the 2010 Six Nations is one of the most dramatic moments in Welsh rugby history. The match took place on February 13, 2010, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and it ended with a thrilling 31–24 victory for Wales.

In the final play of the game, Shane Williams, known for his agility and finishing prowess, collected a well-timed pass from Stephen Jones and darted through Scotland's defense to score the winning try in the corner.

8. France's Grand Slam-clinching victory over England in 2004: Dimitri Yachvili's kicking proved decisive in this tight contest, securing France's Grand Slam.

France's Grand Slam-clinching victory over England in 2004 was one of the defining moments of that year's Six Nations Championship. The match took place on March 27, 2004, at the Stade de France in Paris. France, led by captain Fabien Pelous, were on the cusp of completing their fourth Grand Slam in the Six Nations era.

The win secured France their 13th Grand Slam title, reaffirming their position as one of the top teams in world rugby. Coach Bernard Laporte received widespread praise for his management, and the team's success laid the groundwork for their strong performances throughout the decade.

7. Gavin Henson's long-range penalty kick against England in 2005: This crucial kick propelled Wales towards their first Grand Slam in 27 years.

Gavin Henson's iconic long-range penalty kick against England in 2005 is one of the most memorable moments in Welsh rugby history. The match took place on February 5, 2005, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, during the opening weekend of the Six Nations Championship. It marked the beginning of a remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Wales.

Both teams battled hard, with Wales leading 8–3 at halftime thanks to a try by Shane Williams. England responded with a second-half try by Josh Lewsey, and the match was delicately poised at 9–9 in the closing stages.

With less than five minutes remaining, Wales were awarded a penalty just inside England's half, around 44 meters out. Gavin Henson, renowned for his composure and skill, stepped up to take the kick. Henson struck the ball, and it sailed between the posts, giving Wales a crucial 12–9 lead. Wales ultimately held on and won the match 12-11.

6. Scotland's incredible comeback against England in 2019: This match featured the biggest comeback in Six Nations history and ended in a thrilling 38-38 draw.

The biggest Six Nations comeback of all time was Scotland v England in 2019.

Trailing 31-7 at half-time at Twickenham, Scotland looked down and out. However, in the second half, we saw a new Scotland. Two quick tries put the skip in their step as they went on to lead 38-31 before ending in a 38-all draw.

It remains the highest-scoring draw in international rugby and one of the greatest Six Nations matches of all time.

Wales v Italy in the 2022 Six Nations was meant to be a day of celebration for two Welsh rugby legends, Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Biggar, as they reached major milestones in their international careers. The weather was perfect, and they were up against a team on a 36-match losing streak in the Six Nations. It seemed like a guaranteed win.

5. England's Grand Slam victory in Dublin in 2003: This dominant performance foreshadowed England's World Cup victory later that year.

England’s Grand Slam-clinching victory in Dublin in 2003 was a landmark moment in rugby history. On March 30, 2003, England faced Ireland at Lansdowne Road in the final match of the Six Nations Championship. The stakes were high, with both teams entering the game unbeaten, making it a true Grand Slam decider.

England’s victory in Dublin remains a defining moment in their rugby history, combining power, skill, and composure to achieve one of the most impressive Grand Slam triumphs ever.

4. Italy's debut win over Scotland in 2000: This victory marked Italy's entry into the Six Nations and proved they could compete at this level.

Italy’s debut win over Scotland in 2000 was a historic moment, marking their arrival on the Six Nations stage. The match took place on February 5, 2000, at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, and it was Italy’s first-ever game in the tournament after being officially included that year.

3. Jonathan Sexton's 45-meter drop-goal against France in 2018: This last-gasp kick was crucial in Ireland's Grand Slam campaign and showcased exceptional skill under pressure.

For 70 minutes in the damp Paris weather, the game appeared to be heading towards a lacklustre win for the composed Irish team over the undisciplined French side. However, everything changed when France made a stunning counterattack, resulting in a magnificent try by Teddy Thomas that seemed to seal the game in their favour.

A challenge was now laid before Ireland. Suddenly trailing by a point after holding a comfortable six-point lead for most of the match, they had just over five minutes to respond.

With a relentless determination reminiscent of Munster, Ireland embarked on nearly 40 phases of play under the relentless rain without a single error. Despite the steadfast defence from the French team, who only managed to inch forward to the 10-meter line, it proved to be sufficient.

In a dramatic turn of events, with just 3 minutes and 42 seconds into the red, Johnny Sexton demanded the ball. From a whopping distance of 45 meters, he executed one of the most audacious drop goals ever witnessed in the history of the Six Nations, ultimately snatching a staggering victory.

2. Ronan O'Gara's drop-goal securing Ireland's Grand Slam in 2009: This moment ended Ireland's 61-year Grand Slam drought, making it incredibly significant.

Ronan O’Gara’s dramatic drop goal to secure Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam is one of the most iconic moments in rugby history. The decisive play occurred on March 21, 2009, during the final match of the Six Nations Championship against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

1. Brian O'Driscoll's hat-trick against France in 2000: This performance announced O'Driscoll as a world-class talent and set the stage for his legendary career.

The Stade de France was left in silence as the underdog Irish team pulled off an unforgettable victory. O’Driscoll’s brilliance captured the imagination of rugby fans worldwide and remains a top moment in the sport’s history.

Brian O’Driscoll’s hat-trick in Paris was not just a personal triumph but a defining moment for Irish rugby, paving the way for the success that would follow in the years ahead.

How to get Six Nations 2025 hospitality?

Are you ready to experience even more unforgettable moments from the Six Nations in 2025?

Immerse yourself in the action like never before, with the best seats in the house and a mouthwatering selection of catering options and beverages available all day long.

Don't miss out on Scotland and Wales 2024 Six Nations hospitality packages, if you want to be a part of another incredible Six Nations experience!

Book Six Nations 2025 Hospitality