Six Nations: The History - Part 1

Part 1: 1882 to 1939

The Six Nations tournament was borne out of the Five Nations which is the oldest, and probably most famous, competitive rugby union tournament in the world. The first match was played at the St Helens Ground in Swansea back in December 1882 as England took on Wales. The inaugural match was a rather one-sided affair as England won the match 26-0.

In the early years the tournament was in fact the 'Four Nations' as it was only contested by the Home Unions - England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Before the turn of the century the tournament was marred by disputes and political in-fighting and three times, in 1885, 1887 and 1889, the tournament could not be completed. England also withdrew from the tournament in 1888 after they declined membership of the fledgling International Rugby Board.

France were not to join the fray until 1910 which then gave the tournament its more famous name. However, it was Wales who dominated the competition in the first decade of the century, winning the title on five occasions and finishing as runners-up four times. The new-comers France struggled, winning just one match, a one point victory over the Scots in 1911, before the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 put the tournament on hold until 1920.

When normality returned, the tournament continued without many of its famous figures including England's Grand Slam winning captain Ronald Poulton Palmer who was amongst the 111 international rugby players killed in action during the war. However, despite this set-backs it was England who dominated the inter-war period, sweeping to nine championships including four Grand Slams in 1921, 1923, 1924 and 1928. Although France made progress, (they actually came close to winning the title in 1930, just losing out to England) they continued to struggle with a further four whitewashes and their misery was compounded when they were forced to pull out of the tournament in 1931 due to the fact that French players were paid at club level.

As the Thirties progressed none of the Home Unions stamped their authority and all enjoyed some sort of success. In 1939 England, Ireland and Wales all shared the title before the arrival of world war in September 1939 again meant the curtailment of the Championship.

For the history of the tournament from 1947 to the present day, click here.