Six Nations: A statistical look at rugby’s greatest Championship

Planet Rugby

Ahead of a mouth-watering Six Nations which kicks off on February 5, here’s a look at the key numbers as Wales look to defend their crown.

Take a statistical stroll through the tournament down the years, thanks to PA news agency.

28Wales won their 28th title across the Home Nations, Five Nations and Six Nations Championships in last year’s edition, bringing them within one of England’s record.

13England have the most grand slams, again with one more than Wales.

69 – Ex-Italy captain Sergio Parisse holds the record for Six Nations appearances, four clear of second-placed Brian O’Driscoll. Injury will prevent the leading active player, Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones on 63, from adding to his tally this year.

557 – Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has scored more points in the competition than any other player. England’s Owen Farrell leads all active players with 500 and is third overall, behind Jonny Wilkinson and four points ahead of Ireland’s Johnny Sexton.

George North four behind Brian O’Driscoll

26 – O’Driscoll’s career try tally remains a record. Wales wing George North goes into this year’s tournament four behind.

8 – The record for tries by a player in one tournament, set in the Five Nations by England’s Cyril Lowe in 1914 and matched by Scotland’s Ian Smith in 1925. Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale holds the record for the Six Nations era with seven in 2018.

65Ireland‘s Sexton led all points-scorers in last season’s competition after kicking 10 conversions and 15 penalties. Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe was the leading try-scorer with five.

15 – Italy have finished with the wooden spoon in 16 of the 22 Six Nations campaigns to date, with four for Scotland and one each for Wales and France.

26 – There have been 26 seasons of the women’s competition, initially as the Home Nations before expanding to five and then six. England’s win last year was their 17th, including 15 grand slams – the latter accolade was not available last year due to a change in format, though it has reverted to normal for 2022.

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