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History of the Six Nations Championship
The first official Five Nations Championship was first played in 1910 and was won by England. The teams had been meeting in international games for many years beforehand, but this was the first time they had competed in a competition. The players in those days were amateurs, whereas now the rugby union player is a professional sportsman, and far more money is being pumped into the game than ever before.
Italy has competed with the original five nations since 2000, hence the change in the name of the competition. In recent years, the competition has been dominated by England and France, with only Wales breaking up the continuity by winning last year.
Here are some of the highlights from the history of the Six Nations Championship over the years:
1910: Twickenham is opened as the home to English rugby. England win the first 5 Nations championship.
1911: France take their first international win against Scotland, beating them 16 -15 in Paris.
1913: The last two seasons before the Great War see England dominate the Five Nations competition. They take two back-to-back Grand Slams before the start of hostilities.
1921: England take the first of three successive Grand Slams.
1931: France were forced to pull out of the tournament due to controversy over their players pay, and did not return to the championship until 1947.
1948: Ireland win their only Grand Slam so far in Six Nations Championship history.
1959: A significant year for France, in the history of the Six Nations, as they take their first title outright. Captained by Luis Mias, the side characterised a new style of attacking forward play. They would dominate the event for the next three seasons.
1963: England are victorious as Richard Sharp scores the clincher against Scotland, with what is considered to be one of the most elegant rugby union tries ever scored.
1968: France win their first Grand Slam.
1969: At the start of a decade of Welsh dominance, Wales win the first of many Five Nations trophies, including three Grand Slams and six triple crowns.
1971: John Taylor is responsible for one of the most famous kicks in Five Nations history, as his conversion of a Gerald Davies corner try gives Wales a one point victory over Scotland. Wales wins the Six Nations Championship title.
1972: The championship cannot be completed, as Wales and Scotland are unable travel to Dublin because of the security issues at the height of the Troubles. This leaves Ireland and Wales unbeaten. Against Scotland, Gareth Edwards scores one of the events most memorable tries as he makes a solo effort from deep inside his own half.
1973: There is a five-way tie as each team wins 2 matches and loses 2 matches, although Wales win on points difference
1980: Bill Beaumont leads his England side to victory resulting in the first Grand Slam for England in 23 years.
1991: Will Carling's England team win the Grand Slam to begin an era of unparalleled success for English rugby union. It marks the first of three Grand Slams under Carling's captaincy.
1993: The current trophy, which is made of 200 ounces of sterling silver, is first presented to France
2000: Italy join the competition for the first time and get off to an impressive start by convincingly beating Scotland. England are denied both the Calcutta Cup and the Grand Slam when Scotland achieve a surprising victory against them at Murrayfield, but still have the consolation of winning the Championship.
2003: Clive Woodward's England team starts its World Cup winning year by taking the Grand Slam.
2004: France wins the Grand Slam again, defeating England by 24-21 in their final match.
2005: Wales buck the trend in recent years for England or France to win the Six Nations Championship when they beat Ireland by 32 - 20 in their final match, winning their first grand slam since 1978.
England have won the most championships in the history of the Six Nations, with 25 titles including 12 Grand Slams. Wales and France both have 8 Grand Slams from 22 and 14 Championship wins respectively. Scotland have 14 Championship titles including 3 Grand Slams and Ireland have 10 titles but only 1 Grand Slam success. Italy only joined in 2000 and have yet to open their account.
For the latest odds on the 2006 RBS Six Nations Championship from a range of bookmakers and betting exchanges, visit our Latest Odds section.
The Six Nations Championship is only one of many events in the rugby union calendar. Check out other rugby union events!
If you are new to betting and want to place a bet on the Six Nations Championship be sure to check out our Rugby Union - How To Bet section for some betting hints and tips.
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