1. Introduction
The 2020 Six Nations Championship — the 21st edition of the modern tournament and 126th overall — was one of the most unusual in history.
Originally scheduled between 1 February and 14 March, the competition was halted midway due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the final three matches postponed until October 2020. Despite months of disruption and empty stadiums, the competition still delivered high drama, fierce rivalries, and world-class rugby.
When the dust settled, England emerged as champions, claiming their 29th outright title and 39th overall, equalling Wales’ record. France thrilled early with flair and youthful energy, but England’s consistency after an opening-day defeat ultimately secured them the crown.
2. Tournament Review
The 2020 Six Nations began explosively. France stunned England 24–17 in Paris, marking a new era under coach Fabien Galthié and captain Charles Ollivon. The French flair, led by Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, returned with confidence.
England, however, regrouped swiftly — defeating Scotland to reclaim the Calcutta Cup, then dispatching Ireland and Wales in back-to-back home wins. When the tournament resumed in October, they cruised past Italy 34–5 in Rome to seal the championship on points difference.
Ireland started strongly but faltered in Paris on the final day, missing the chance to lift the trophy. Scotland enjoyed one of their best campaigns in years, winning three matches, including their first victory in Wales since 2002. Wales, meanwhile, endured a frustrating first season under Wayne Pivac, finishing fifth — their worst result since 2007. Italy battled gamely but remained winless, earning a fifth consecutive Wooden Spoon.
3. Rugby Highlights – Key Results
- France 24–17 England – Les Bleus announce their resurgence
- England 24–12 Ireland – Dominant England back in title contention
- Wales 23–27 France – France win in Cardiff for the first time since 2010
- Scotland 28–17 France – Red card ends France’s Grand Slam hopes
- Italy 5–34 England – England secure the title in Rome
- France 35–27 Ireland – France finish with flair, but England crowned champions
4. Final Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | England | 5 | 4 | 1 | 18 | +44 |
| 🥈 2 | France | 5 | 4 | 1 | 18 | +21 |
| 3 | Ireland | 5 | 3 | 2 | 14 | +30 |
| 4 | Scotland | 5 | 3 | 2 | 14 | +18 |
| 5 | Wales | 5 | 1 | 4 | 8 | +21 |
| 6 | Italy | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | −134 |
5. Statistical Highlights
- Champions: England (29th outright title)
- Triple Crown: England (26th)
- Top points scorer: Romain Ntamack (France) – 57 points
- Top try scorer: Charles Ollivon (France) – 4 tries
- Player of the Championship: Antoine Dupont (France)
- Total tries: 74 (average 4.93 per match)
- Total attendance: 727,458 (48,497 per match before COVID)