The Six Nations Championship, a prestigious European rugby tournament, not only awards the championship winner with an exclusive trophy but also honors teams through various additional accolades presented throughout the tournament. This year’s competition concluded with France claiming the championship title, while other nations competed for several notable trophy awards, such as the Triple Crown, the Calcutta Cup, and more.
The ultimate prize in northern hemisphere rugby, the Six Nations Championship Trophy, however, did not come into existence until 1993, when France ascended to the top of the then Five Nations Championship. This trophy served its purpose until the tournament underwent an upgrade in 2015, introducing a six-sided cup that symbolizes the six competing teams. Currently, the trophy is held by France, reflecting their dominance in the recent tournaments.
In addition to the main championship trophy, the tournament includes other prestigious awards aimed at fostering friendly competition among certain nations. One such award, the Triple Crown trophy, comes with a high level of challenge, only being awarded when one of the home nations—England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales—achieves a clean sweep over the other three during the tournament. Though officially introduced in 2006, the origins of the Triple Crown date back to earlier years. Interestingly, a retired miner named Dave Merrington crafted a bespoke design out of coal in the 1970s, a trophy that never made it to the official awards but can now be viewed at the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham. The most recent holders of the Triple Crown prize are the Irish team, who managed to secure the accolade in 2025.
Another historical trophy is the Calcutta Cup, contested between England and Scotland since 1879. This iconic trophy emerged after the Calcutta Rugby Football Club dissolved and its members melted down the remaining rupees to construct the award. Currently, the cup resides with England after their latest victory over Scotland.
The Millennium Trophy, established in 1988, represents the competition between England and Ireland, with Ireland being the current holder. Its distinctive design, reminiscent of a Viking helmet, reflects the millennial celebrations in Dublin at the time of its introduction.
Moreover, the Centenary Quaich trophy stands out, named after a Gaelic term for a shallow cup. Since 1989, this trophy has been given to the winner of the Scotland versus Ireland match, with Ireland currently holding it since 2018. Meanwhile, the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy represents the match-up between France and Italy since its inception in 2007, with France currently the reigning holder.
The Auld Alliance Trophy, created to commemorate the centenary of World War I, honors the long-standing friendship between France and Scotland. Introduced in 2018, this trophy is also currently held by France after their recent successes in the Six Nations tournaments.
Adding to the rich tapestry of awards is the Doddie Weir Cup, named after the late Scottish rugby legend who battled motor neurone disease. This cup is contested between Scotland and Wales and has been held by Scotland since its launch in November 2018. The Cuttitta Cup, awarded since 2022, honors a former Italian captain and currently resides with Scotland following their recent encounter.
Lastly, while the Six Nations boasts many accolades, there is one trophy that few aspire to win—the Wooden Spoon. Awarded to the team that finishes last in the tournament, Italy holds the dubious distinction of winning this unglamorous title 18 times since their entry into the competition in 2000, though Wales ended up with the Wooden Spoon for the last two seasons.
The intriguing dynamics surrounding the trophies provide additional excitement to the Six Nations Championship, illustrating the competitive spirit within rugby and the intricate history that continues to evolve. With various teams holding different prestigious titles beside the championship, every match in this esteemed competition carries meaningful consequences. The Six Nations not only showcases elite rugby talent but also preserves a deeply rooted competitive tradition.
As the rugby world eagerly waits for the next installment of this celebrated tournament, it is evident that every match is more than a contest; it is an opportunity to claim historic trophies that encapsulate the spirit of rugby, camaraderie, and fierce competition.
