RBS Six Nations: Ultimate guide

The Six Nations is one of rugby union’s most-watched tournaments. Taking place across February and March every year, there are few series that have a richer history. The series began in 1883, where it was called the “Home Nations”, and consisted of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament was renamed “Five Nations” in 1910 when France joined, and renamed again to “Six Nations” in 2000 when Italy was admitted.

Champions Ireland 2nd England 3rd Wales 4th France 5th Italy 6th Scotland

Dates Saturday, February 6 to Saturday, March 19, 2016

Discipline Rugby Union First tournament 1883 (as Home Nations)

Venues 6 – Stade De France, Paris; BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh; Aviva Stadium, Dublin; Principality Stadium, Cardiff; Stadio Olimpico, Rome; Twickenham Stadium, London

The six home grounds used in the tournament

Teams England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales

TV Schedule BeIN Sports will be showing all fixtures. BeIN Sports HD5 will be showing the opening matches

Follow Stay up to date with the hashtag #RBS6Nations

Where to watch There are no shortage of decent bars in Dubai watch the Six Nations, but why not try one of these.

Each team plays the other once, with home advantage alternating each year. There is a total of 15 matches which take place each weekend over the period of six weeks. A winning team is awarded two points, one point for a draw and no points for a loss. Bonus points aren't used.

The team at the top of the league table at the end of the series is declared the champion. If a team wins all their matches then they have won a Grand Slam.

Of the four Home Nations that compete - England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales - a win over the other three sees that team win the Triple Crown.

The team that finishes last in the table is awarded the metaphorical Wooden Spoon - Italy currently hold the record.