Six Nations: Fans react angrily to ‘worst rebrand’ and ‘ugliest thing ever seen’
The Six Nations trophy on display.
Six Nations organisers’ decision to rebrand the championship has received a backlash from rugby fans who have taken to social media to vent their unhappiness.
On Saturday, the famous tournament – which involves England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales – freshened up its look with the men’s competition having a design with red and orange colours.
The new logo also has “M6N” written on a rugby ball alongside the title sponsor Guinness.
Six Nations statement
The Six Nations issued a statement on their official website explaining the rebrand.
“A modern classic since 1883. The Guinness Men’s Six Nations brand identity has been recharged,” it read.
“Connecting its rich heritage with the modern game, and articulated through a distinctive and bold new brand, it is designed to resonate with everyone from new and existing fans to the players and unions competing in this iconic Championship.
“The rebrand follows extensive research and consultation with fans, target audience members, Unions and Federations, and international rugby players. Six Nations Rugby has created a brand identity that celebrates the heritage of its Men’s Championship, while its bold visual designs reflect today’s game and how fans feel about the sport (and, specifically, the Men’s Six Nations experience).
“The launch of the M6N identity joins the recent introduction of W6N and U6N brands, creating a consistent and versatile family of brands.
“The modern brand is defined by its distinctive orange colourway, signifying the optimism fans feel when they get together at the end of winter to experience the Six Nations together.”
The Six Nations’ official X (formerly Twitter) feed unveiled the new design with a caption which said: “Same Championship. Supercharged. New Brand.”
𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥, Supercharged New Brand 🔥🟠 #RugbyRecharged #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/3K1ZYkXNhJ
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) November 30, 2024
However, the response from most fans were far from complimentary with supporter, SirMarty, writing: “Did a 9 year old win a competition to design this? Lol.”
Another one, Gareth Reynolds, added: “If I were Guinness, I’d want my money back.”
Meanwhile, another supporter, Travis, replied: “Absolutely shocking. You guys have done this on Microsoft paint haven’t you?”, while Ricky kept his disdain plain and simple by saying: “This is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.”
More criticism
It was a similar story elsewhere on the social media streets with rugby fan Jordan also unhappy about the rebrand as he wrote: “I understand rugby has to change and attract new audiences.
I understand rugby has to change and attract new audiences.
But what the hell is this. The last logo with the rugby ball and all the nations colours was brilliant I thought.
Now this looks like a logo from a TV show my 4 year old would watch.
Don’t alienate your current fans pic.twitter.com/ZFoVKJoISP
— Jordan (@jordanwoodsy) December 1, 2024
“But what the hell is this. The last logo with the rugby ball and all the nations colours was brilliant I thought. Now this looks like a logo from a TV show my 4 year old would watch.
“Don’t alienate your current fans.”
Another fan, Nick Spragg added his two cents by writing: “I haven’t seen one person who likes this yet. Looks like a video game logo from 1998. Once again rugby is massively out of touch with the fanbase.
“Would love to see the logos that got ruled out during the market research and I bet Guinness aren’t best pleased either!”