1. Introduction
The 2022 Men’s Six Nations Championship, held from 5 February to 19 March 2022, was the 23rd edition of the competition in its current format and the 128th overall.
Defending champions Wales entered the tournament looking to retain their crown, but it was France who produced a perfect campaign to claim their 18th title and their 10th Grand Slam, their first since 2010.
Led by the exceptional Antoine Dupont, France combined flair with physical dominance to re-establish themselves as Europe’s leading side ahead of their home World Cup. Ireland finished runners-up, winning the Triple Crown for the 12th time, while England, Scotland, and Wales battled inconsistently. Italy, meanwhile, ended years of heartbreak with one of the competition’s most emotional victories in recent memory.
2. Tournament Overview
France opened with conviction and never faltered. From their commanding 37–10 win over Italy, to a crucial 30–24 victory over Ireland, and a gritty 13–9 triumph in Cardiff, Fabien Galthié’s side displayed balance and resilience. Their 25–13 win over England in Paris sealed the Grand Slam in front of a jubilant Stade de France crowd.
Ireland pushed them hardest, playing fast, accurate rugby under Andy Farrell. Despite losing in Paris, Ireland’s dominance against England and Scotland, and their Triple Crown success, confirmed their elite status.
England endured another mixed campaign under Eddie Jones, showing promise through Marcus Smith, the tournament’s top scorer (71 points), but lacking cohesion. Scotland again impressed early, including back-to-back Calcutta Cup wins over England, before fading. Wales struggled for rhythm, but Dan Biggar’s leadership provided moments of resistance.
Italy, after 36 consecutive Six Nations defeats, finally broke through — stunning Wales 22–21 in Cardiff thanks to a last-minute try by Edoardo Padovani after a brilliant Ange Capuozzo break. The Azzurri’s victory ended a seven-year wait and delivered one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
3. Key Results
- France 30–24 Ireland – Decisive clash for the title
- Wales 9–13 France – Grit and composure from Les Bleus in Cardiff
- England 15–32 Ireland – Irish power triumphs at Twickenham
- Wales 21–22 Italy – Italy’s historic win to end their long drought
- France 25–13 England – Grand Slam sealed in Paris
4. Final Standings
| Pos | Team | Pts | Pld | W | D | L | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | France | 25 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | +68 |
| 🥈 2 | Ireland | 21 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +105 |
| 3 | England | 10 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | +5 |
| 4 | Scotland | 10 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | −29 |
| 5 | Wales | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −28 |
| 6 | Italy | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −121 |
5. Statistical Highlights
- Champions: France (18th title, 10th Grand Slam)
- Triple Crown: Ireland (12th)
- Top points scorer: Marcus Smith (England) – 71 points
- Top try scorers: James Lowe (Ireland), Damian Penaud (France), Gabin Villière (France) – 3 tries each
- Player of the Championship: Antoine Dupont (France)
- Total tries: 73 (average 4.87 per match)
- Total attendance: 964,370 (average 64,291 per match)