Every year, teams compete in the Six Nations with the hopes of winning the ultimate accolade: the Grand Slam. A title that was introduced during the Home Nations, the Grand Slam only occurs if one team beats all other nations during a single tournament.
Between 1883 and 2023, the Grand Slam was achieved on 42 occasions: the first was in 1903 and the latest was claimed in 2023. But do you know which team holds the record for the most Six Nations Grand Slams?
Well, the answer is England, who have claimed 13 Grand Slams. They’re closely followed by Wales (12) and France (10). Meanwhile, Ireland have claimed four and Scotland have won three. Italy, who have competed in the competition since 2000, are yet to win the Grand Slam.
The all-time Grand Slam winning table
Here is a full breakdown of every Grand Slam win:
Nation | Number of Grand Slams | Tournaments |
England | 13 | 1913, 1914, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1928, 1957, 1980, 1991, 1992, 1995, 2003, 2016 |
Wales | 12 | 1908, 1909, 1911, 1950, 1952, 1971, 1976, 1978, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2019 |
France | 10 | 1968, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2022 |
Ireland | 4 | 1948, 2009, 2018, 2023 |
Scotland | 3 | 1925, 1984, 1990 |
Italy | 0 |
How many Grand Slams have England won?
England have won the most Six Nations Grand Slams in history. To date, they have secured this prestigious title a total of 13 times. The latest of these was in 2016.
Eleven of England’s Grand Slams occurred during the Five Nations era – they won their first at the 1913 Five Nations. In the current Six Nations format, England have achieved two (2003 and 2016).
England’s most impressive Grand Slam occurred in 2003. With comfortable victories against all of their opponents – including their thrilling 42-6 victory against Ireland in round 5 – England ended the competition with a point differential of +127. Later that year, they won the Rugby World Cup.
How many Grand Slams have Wales won?
Wales have achieved the second-most Six Nations Grand Slams. To date, Wales have won 12 Grand Slams, the first of which was in 1908. In fact, Wales were the first Championship team to claim a Grand Slam and the only nation to win the accolade during the Home Nations era.
Wales’ most successful period in the competition came in the 1970s. In addition to their Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978, Wales also claimed outright titles (1975 and 1979) and two shared victories (1970 and 1973).
In total, Wales claimed two Grand Slams during the Home Nations, six during the Five Nations and four in the current format. They claimed their last Grand Slam in 2019.
How many Grand Slams have France won?
France have won 10 Grand Slams: six during the Five Nations and four during the Six Nations era. This figure puts France in third place behind England (13) and Wales (12).
After joining the tournament in 1910, France waited 58 years to secure their first Grand Slam – they finally achieved their goal in 1968. Since then, France have claimed this accolade on nine other occasions. The most recent of these was in 2022.
How many Grand Slams have Ireland won?
Ireland have won a total of four Grand Slams. Despite competing in every competition since the inaugural Home Nations, Ireland didn’t win their first Grand Slam until 1948. After an initial 65-year wait, it was another 61 years before Ireland claimed their second.
In contrast, Ireland have enjoyed more success during the Six Nations. Since 2000, Ireland have won three Grand Slams. These came in 2009, 2018 and 2023.
How many Grand Slams have Scotland won?
Scotland have won three Grand Slams. All three of their winning campaigns occurred during the Five Nations era; Scotland are yet to claim this title during the current Six Nations format.
Scotland secured their first Grand Slam in 1925, when they defeated their Five Nations opponents and rose to the top of the table. Their next came in 1984 and they claimed their most recent in 1990.
During this tournament, Scotland edged past Ireland 13-10, trounced France 21-0 and beat Wales 13-9. Their successful campaign came to an end with a glorious triumph at Murrayfield, where they defeated England 13-7.
How many Grand Slams have Italy won?
Italy have never won a Grand Slam. The Azzurri joined the Six Nations in 2000 and they secured their best finish in 2007 and 2013: they placed fourth in both tournaments and beat two opponents on each occasion.
This was a major milestone for Italy, who won just 13 of their Six Nations matches between 2000 and 2023. Meanwhile, they lost 106 and drew 1.
How many teams have claimed back-to-back Grand Slams?
Three of the Six Nations teams have achieved back-to-back Grand Slams: Wales, England and France. Wales achieved this feat first in 1908 and 1909; England in 1913 and 1914, 1923 and 1924, and 1991 and 1992; and France in 1997 to 1998.
As it stands, no team has won consecutive Grand Slams during the Six Nations era. Additionally, no team has ever achieved three successive Grand Slams.
Which team do you think has claimed the greatest Grand Slam? Let us know in the comments below.
