Every February and March, rugby union's oldest and most prestigious annual international tournament takes place across Europe. The Six Nations Championship brings together England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy in a round-robin competition that has captured hearts since 1883. For England rugby supporters in Australia, following the tournament means late nights, early mornings, and plenty of passion. Here's your complete guide to supporting the Red Rose from Down Under.
Understanding the Six Nations
Tournament Format
The Six Nations is beautifully simple in format:
- Participants: England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy
- Format: Round-robin, with each team playing five matches
- Duration: Seven weeks from early February to mid-March
- Points: Four for a win, two for a draw, bonus points for scoring four tries or losing by seven points or fewer
- Champion: Team with the most points at tournament's end
Special Achievements
Beyond simply winning, teams can achieve special honours:
- Grand Slam: Winning all five matches—the ultimate achievement
- Triple Crown: England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland beating the other three home nations
- Calcutta Cup: Trophy awarded to the winner of England vs Scotland
- Wooden Spoon: Unofficial "award" for finishing last (often Italy's fate)
📜 Historical Note
The tournament began in 1883 as the Home Nations Championship between England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. France joined in 1910 (creating the Five Nations), and Italy completed the current format in 2000.
England in the Six Nations
Home Ground
England play their home matches at Twickenham Stadium in southwest London. Known as the "Home of England Rugby," Twickenham holds 82,000 spectators and provides one of sport's most atmospheric experiences. The stadium has been England's home since 1910.
Historic Rivalries
Each match carries historical weight, but certain fixtures stand out:
- England vs France: Le Crunch—intense, physical, and often tournament-deciding
- England vs Scotland: The oldest international fixture in rugby, contested for the Calcutta Cup since 1879
- England vs Wales: A rivalry fuelled by centuries of Anglo-Welsh history
- England vs Ireland: Fierce competition between historically successful rugby nations
🔑 England's Six Nations Record
- Most championship wins in tournament history
- Multiple Grand Slams achieved
- 2003 World Cup winners came from a dominant Six Nations squad
- Recent years have seen competitive but not dominant performances
Following from Australia
Broadcast Times
Six Nations matches are played on Saturdays and Sundays (UK time), which means late evening to early morning viewing in Australia:
- Early UK kick-offs (2:15pm): Around 1:15am AEDT (Sunday)
- Afternoon UK kick-offs (4:45pm): Around 3:45am AEDT (Sunday)
- Evening UK kick-offs (8pm): Around 7am AEDT (Sunday)
- Sunday UK matches: Similar timing, moving into Sunday/Monday AEDT
Evening UK kick-offs actually work well for Australian viewers, falling around breakfast time.
Where to Watch
The Six Nations is broadcast in Australia through:
- Stan Sport: Primary broadcaster for rugby in Australia
- Selected pubs: Some rugby-focused venues show matches live
✅ Viewing Tips
- The Sunday morning (AEDT) matches are most practical for live viewing
- Consider a "Six Nations breakfast" with friends for the later kick-offs
- Record early morning matches if live viewing isn't practical
- Avoid social media until you've watched if viewing delayed
England Rugby Traditions
The Red Rose
England's rugby emblem is the red rose, a symbol dating back to the Wars of the Roses and beyond. The rose appears on all England rugby kit and is sung about in supporter songs. While the St George's Cross is also displayed, the red rose is the primary symbol of England rugby specifically.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
England's unofficial rugby anthem has been sung at Twickenham since the 1980s. The song, originally an African American spiritual, was first spontaneously sung when Chris Oti scored a hat-trick against Ireland in 1988. It has since become synonymous with England rugby success, typically erupting when England score.
White Kit
England is the only major rugby nation to play in all white, a tradition dating to the sport's earliest days. The white shirt with the red rose is one of rugby's most iconic kits.
Creating Your Viewing Experience
Six Nations Watch Party
Make the most of the tournament by creating proper match day atmosphere:
- Decorations: England flags, red and white colours, rugby memorabilia
- Food: English breakfast for morning matches; pies and pub food for evening viewing
- Drinks: English ales and ciders; tea for breakfast matches
- Dress code: England rugby shirts, naturally
Community Viewing
Some Australian cities have rugby-focused pubs or English expat venues that show Six Nations matches. Check with local English social clubs or rugby supporter groups for organised viewing events.
Understanding Rugby Union
Basic Rules for Newcomers
If you're new to rugby union, here are the essentials:
- Teams: 15 players per side
- Match length: 80 minutes (two 40-minute halves)
- Scoring: Try (5 points), conversion (2 points), penalty kick (3 points), drop goal (3 points)
- Objective: Score more points than the opposition by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball
- Passing: Ball must be passed backwards or sideways (not forward)
Key Positions
- Forwards (1-8): Larger players who contest for the ball in scrums and lineouts
- Backs (9-15): Generally faster players who create and finish attacking moves
- Fly-half (10): Key playmaker, often the best kicker and decision-maker
Conclusion
The Six Nations offers English rugby supporters in Australia six weekends of drama, tradition, and passionate support. While the time zones can be challenging, the reward—watching England compete in rugby's most historic annual tournament—is worth the occasional early alarm.
From the emotion of Swing Low at Twickenham to the intense rivalries with France and Scotland, the Six Nations captures something special about England and European rugby culture. So grab your England shirt, set your alarm, and join millions of supporters around the world in following the Red Rose's quest for Six Nations glory.