The 2018 Six Nations Championship was won by Ireland, who secured the title in round four and completed a memorable Grand Slam with victory over England at Twickenham on 17 March 2018.
The tournament brought together England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales across five match weekends from early February to mid‑March, with games played in iconic stadiums such as Twickenham, the Aviva Stadium, the Principality Stadium, the Stade de France, Murrayfield, and the Stadio Olimpico.
Fans following the 2018 edition saw intense rivalries, tactical battles, and standout individual performances that shaped both the World Rugby rankings and the build‑up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Over the course of the championship, Ireland emerged as the most consistent team, combining a structured kicking game with powerful forward play and accurate goal‑kicking. England, the defending champions, struggled with form and discipline, while Wales and Scotland produced big home performances that underlined their growing depth.
France showed flashes of revival under new coaching leadership, and Italy continued to develop young talent despite finishing bottom of the table. Understanding the fixtures, results, table, key players, and context of Six Nations 2018 helps fans appreciate how this tournament marked a turning point in northern hemisphere rugby.
Tournament overview
The 2018 Six Nations Championship ran from 3 February to 17 March 2018, with each of the six teams playing five matches in a round‑robin format. Matches were scheduled primarily on Saturdays with a few Sunday games, allowing three fixtures per round and consistent broadcast windows across Europe.
The competition used a bonus‑point system, rewarding four points for a win, two for a draw, attacking bonus points for scoring four or more tries, and a defensive bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer.
Ireland finished top of the table with five wins from five, achieving a Grand Slam and a Triple Crown by beating England, Scotland, and Wales in the same campaign. England, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy filled the remaining places in the standings based on wins, bonus points, and points difference. The championship also determined annual rivalry trophies such as the Calcutta Cup (England v Scotland), the Millennium Trophy (England v Ireland), and the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (France v Italy).
Format and rules
The Six Nations format in 2018 followed a simple single round‑robin schedule, in which each team played every other team once, alternating home and away venues from the previous year’s championship.
Standings were based on competition points, with four points awarded for a win, two for a draw, and none for a loss. Bonus points encouraged attacking rugby and close contests, and an additional three points were awarded to any team that completed a Grand Slam to ensure they topped the table.
Tie‑breakers were applied if teams finished level on competition points, using points difference (points scored minus points conceded) as the first measure. If still equal, the total number of tries scored was used, followed by shared positions if necessary. Disciplinary rules, including yellow and red cards, followed World Rugby regulations, with sanctions and citing processes in place for foul play.
Teams and squads
Six national teams took part in Six Nations 2018: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each union named an extended training squad ahead of the competition, then selected matchday 23s for each round, balancing experienced internationals with emerging talent. Coaches also had to manage injuries, club commitments, and player welfare protocols as the tournament progressed.
Ireland’s squad was built around an experienced core of leaders in the pack and half‑backs, while England’s group included several British and Irish Lions but faced injury disruptions in key positions.
Wales and Scotland integrated new caps into their squads to expand depth, especially in the backline. France began a new coaching era with a refreshed player group, and Italy continued to invest in younger forwards and backs to build for the future.
Ireland’s Grand Slam campaign
Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations campaign started with a dramatic away win over France in Paris, sealed by a long‑range drop goal in the final moments. That victory provided momentum for subsequent home wins in Dublin, where Ireland combined clinical set‑piece play with disciplined defense. Ireland’s attack benefited from structured phase play and accurate tactical kicking that repeatedly pinned opponents deep in their own territory.
By the end of round four, Ireland had accumulated enough points to be mathematically uncatchable at the top of the table, clinching the title even before facing England.
In the final round at Twickenham on St Patrick’s Day, Ireland completed the Grand Slam with a composed and physical performance, scoring tries at key moments and managing the game in wet conditions.
The Grand Slam was Ireland’s third in history and cemented the team’s status as one of the world’s leading sides heading towards the next Rugby World Cup cycle.
England’s title defense
England entered the 2018 championship as back‑to‑back Six Nations winners, carrying high expectations and a strong recent record. The team started the tournament with victory over Italy, followed by a win against Wales, but cracks began to appear in breakdown discipline and defensive accuracy. As the competition progressed, opponents targeted England’s contact area and aerial game, forcing errors and penalties.
Defeats against Scotland, France, and Ireland in the latter rounds ended England’s hopes of a third successive title. These losses highlighted issues with balance in the back row, depth at certain key positions, and adaptability under pressure.
Although the campaign was disappointing compared with previous years, it provided vital lessons for coaching staff regarding selection, tactics, and fitness levels ahead of major future tournaments.
Wales and Scotland
Wales used the 2018 Six Nations to broaden their squad depth and experiment with new combinations, particularly in the backline and back row. Despite injuries to several senior players, Wales produced strong defensive displays and secured important wins, especially at home in Cardiff. Their performances demonstrated a resilient defensive system and an ability to counterattack from turnover ball.
Scotland delivered some of the most exciting attacking rugby of the tournament, particularly in their home fixtures at Murrayfield. A notable highlight was their victory over England, where Scotland’s tempo, breakdown pressure, and inventive backline play created tries and kept the crowd engaged throughout. While Scotland still struggled with away‑form consistency, the 2018 edition confirmed their progress under a clear tactical identity.
France and Italy
France began Six Nations 2018 under new coaching leadership, seeking to rebuild after a period of inconsistent performances. Early matches showed defensive determination but also discipline and fitness issues that led to late‑game problems. Over the course of the tournament, France experimented with different half‑back pairings and back‑three combinations to find a more cohesive attacking shape.
Italy entered the championship as underdogs, aiming to improve competitiveness and reduce heavy defeats. The side continued to show flashes of attacking flair, particularly through offloading and wide play, but struggled to maintain defensive intensity across 80 minutes. Despite finishing at the bottom of the table again, Italy’s younger players gained valuable test experience against top‑tier European opposition.
Key matches and turning points
Several matches in the 2018 Six Nations stood out as turning points in the title race and for individual teams. Ireland’s opening‑round win in Paris, secured by a last‑minute drop goal, was a defining moment that shifted momentum in their favor from the very start. Scotland’s victory over England in Edinburgh was another pivotal fixture, denting England’s title defense and lifting Scottish confidence.
England’s loss to France in Paris and Ireland’s Grand Slam‑sealing triumph at Twickenham on the final weekend shaped the final standings. For Wales and Scotland, home victories over major rivals reinforced their status as dangerous sides on their own turf. Each round of fixtures contributed to a narrative of narrow margins, strategic adjustments, and psychological swings between contenders.
Standings and statistics
At the end of Six Nations 2018, Ireland topped the table with five wins, securing the Grand Slam and Triple Crown. The remaining positions reflected a mix of win‑loss records, bonus points, and points difference among England, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy. Bonus points played a role in separating teams who had similar numbers of wins, rewarding those who attacked effectively and kept games tight even in defeat.
Statistically, the tournament showcased a high number of tactical kicks, strong maul platforms, and structured attacking sets within the 22‑meter area. Individual players led categories such as points scored, tries, tackles, and meters gained, highlighting the influence of goal‑kickers and playmakers. These numbers provided analysts and fans with evidence of tactical trends, such as emphasis on kicking pressure and set‑piece dominance.
Venues and matchday experience
Six Nations 2018 matches were played at some of the most storied rugby stadiums in the world, including Twickenham Stadium in London, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, the Stade de France in Saint‑Denis, and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Each venue offered its own atmosphere, traditions, and fan rituals, from anthems and singing to pre‑match entertainment. Ticket prices varied by stadium, opposition, and seating category, typically ranging from lower‑priced seats behind the posts to premium seats along the halfway line.
Attending a Six Nations match in 2018 meant navigating busy city centers and transport networks, with most stadiums accessible via train, metro, or bus. Fans often arrived early to enjoy local pubs, fan zones, and merchandise stalls before kick‑off. Matchday experiences combined sport with local culture, food, and music, creating a festival‑like environment across the host cities.
Broadcasting and viewing options
The 2018 Six Nations Championship was widely broadcast across Europe and internationally through free‑to‑air and subscription channels. In the participating countries, major broadcasters provided live coverage, highlights, and analysis shows, complemented by radio commentary for listeners on the move. Streaming services and official apps allowed fans to watch matches on mobile devices, laptops, and smart televisions.
Kick‑off times were generally scheduled on Saturday afternoons and evenings, with occasional Sunday fixtures, making it convenient for weekend viewing. Pre‑match build‑up and post‑match analysis featured former internationals discussing tactics, key moments, and referee decisions. Social media platforms amplified fan reactions, highlight clips, and statistics throughout each match weekend.
Practical information and planning
For fans planning to attend matches similar to those in Six Nations 2018, understanding typical scheduling, ticketing, and travel options is essential. Six Nations fixtures usually take place from early February to mid‑March, with each team playing five rounds over seven weeks. When planning a trip, fans should check the official tournament website and national union sites for confirmed dates, venues, and local kick‑off times.
Opening dates: The championship traditionally starts in the first weekend of February and ends by mid‑March. Fixtures are released months in advance, allowing plenty of time to book travel and accommodation.
Ticket prices: Ticket costs depend on stadium, opponent, and seat location, with categories ranging from more affordable upper‑tier sections to premium hospitality packages. Buying through official channels reduces the risk of inflated resale prices and counterfeit tickets.
Transport: All Six Nations stadiums are located in or near major cities with good transport links, including trains, metro systems, buses, and taxis. Planning routes in advance and allowing extra time on matchday helps avoid delays caused by crowds.
What to expect: Fans can expect large, passionate crowds, strict security checks at stadium entrances, and a wide range of food and drink options inside and outside the venue. Weather in February and March can be cold and wet, so warm, waterproof clothing is advisable.
Tips for visitors: Book accommodation early near city centers or along convenient transport routes, check local regulations on bags and prohibited items at stadiums, and carry valid ID if needed for ticket collection. Arriving early enhances the experience, giving time for pre‑match atmosphere and reducing stress around entry queues.
Legacy and impact
The legacy of Six Nations 2018 centered on Ireland’s emergence as a leading force in world rugby and the tactical lessons learned by all participating teams. Ireland’s Grand Slam built belief ahead of a successful series victory in Australia later that year and influenced strategic planning for the World Cup. The tournament also highlighted the increasing importance of depth, conditioning, and tactical kicking in modern test rugby.
For England, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy, 2018 offered a benchmark for progress and areas requiring improvement. Coaching teams used the championship to adjust selection policies, refine attacking structures, and address weaknesses such as discipline and breakdown accuracy. Across the board, Six Nations 2018 reinforced the competition’s status as one of the most intense and influential annual tournaments in international rugby.
FAQs
How did Six Nations 2018 end?
Six Nations 2018 ended with Ireland completing a Grand Slam by defeating England at Twickenham on 17 March 2018. The final standings placed Ireland top of the table, with the remaining teams ranked by their win‑loss records and bonus points.
Who won the Six Nations in 2018?
Ireland won the Six Nations Championship in 2018 and secured both the Grand Slam and Triple Crown. They achieved this by winning all five of their matches against France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, and England.
When did the 2018 Six Nations take place?
The 2018 Six Nations took place from early February to mid‑March, over five rounds of fixtures. Matches were usually played on Saturdays, with some Sunday games to complete each round.
Which teams played in Six Nations 2018?
Six Nations 2018 featured England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each team played five matches, facing every other side once during the championship.
Where were Six Nations 2018 matches played?
Matches were played at Twickenham Stadium in London, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, the Stade de France in Saint‑Denis, and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Each nation hosted two or three home fixtures depending on the rotation from the previous year.
How did Ireland secure the Grand Slam?
Ireland secured the Grand Slam by winning all five of their matches in the 2018 championship. A last‑minute win in Paris set the tone, and a composed victory over England at Twickenham on the final weekend completed their perfect campaign.
How did England perform in Six Nations 2018?
England started the 2018 championship with wins but suffered defeats to Scotland, France, and Ireland later in the tournament. Those losses ended their bid for a third consecutive title and raised questions about balance, discipline, and tactical adaptability.
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