The last five winners of the Six Nations

The 2026 Six Nations is on the horizon, and the prestigious Rugby Union tournament is already surrounded by intrigue and potential storylines.

Defending champions France are hoping to retain the title for the first time since 2006–07, and are favourites in the betting on sports markets. Ireland will be eager to bounce back after missing out on a historic hat-trick last year. England are chasing their first championship since 2020, and Wales will be desperate to avoid a third successive wooden spoon.

With that in mind, here’s a look back at the last five winners of the Six Nations.

2025 – France

Last year’s Six Nations went right down to the final gameweek. France hosted Scotland at the Stade de France, while England travelled to the Millennium Stadium to face Wales, knowing a big win could apply pressure on Les Bleus.

England certainly did their part, thrashing Wales 68–14 in Cardiff to keep their slim title hopes alive. However, France showed the composure of champions later that day, making no mistake in Paris with a convincing 35–16 victory over Scotland to secure the championship.

2023 & 2024 – Ireland

Ireland enjoyed a dominant period with back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024.

The 2023 campaign was particularly special, as Andy Farrell’s side completed a famous Grand Slam. It was sealed with a memorable 29–16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium on the final day, capping off a flawless tournament.

In 2024, Ireland retained the trophy, marking the third time in their history they had won consecutive championships. They began with an emphatic 38–17 win over France in Marseille, but their hopes of another Grand Slam were dashed in round four by a narrow 23–22 defeat to England at Twickenham.

2022 – France

France ended a 12-year wait for Six Nations glory in style in 2022, completing a Grand Slam to reclaim their place at the top of European rugby.

After near misses in previous campaigns, Les Bleus were ruthless throughout the tournament, winning all five matches and lifting the trophy without defeat. The long-awaited success signalled the arrival of a new golden generation for French rugby.

2021 – Wales

Wales were surprise champions in 2021, edging out the competition in one of the most dramatic and unpredictable Six Nations tournaments in recent memory.

Wayne Pivac’s side won four of their five matches and clinched the title despite a heavy 32–9 defeat to France on the final day in Paris. Results elsewhere ultimately fell in Wales’ favour, allowing them to lift the trophy and cap an unlikely but memorable championship run.

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France are the odds-on favourites (8/13) to retain their title this year, with the bookies considering England to be their primary challengers at 5/2 — numbers that many fans will be plugging into a bet calculator as the tournament nears.

Former World No.1 Ireland have slumped to fourth, and their odds of winning a record-equalling seventh title of the Six Nations era reflect that at 11/2.

Scotland are next in line (14/1), while wooden spoon regulars Wales (50/1) and Italy (150/1) are expected to slog it out to avoid the unwanted bottom prize.