Since then, Ireland and Wales have won it four times each, while England has won it three times. France was awarded the title in 2000 after England's exit from the tournament, but this was later revoked when it was discovered that French officials had altered the results of two matches against lower-ranked opponents (Ireland and Russia). The title is now officially held by Ireland.
France has been the most successful country with six victories, followed by England with five wins. Ireland and Wales have won four titles apiece. In addition to winning its sixth and seventh championships in 2016 and 2017 respectively, France also holds the record for most consecutive victories with 12 from 1994 to 2005.
Ireland has the most wins with seven, followed by France with six. Wales has won four titles over the years, with three coming in the last eight seasons. It all started in 2005 when John Jones' side defeated England at Twickenham to take the inaugural Five Nations title. Since then, they've gone on to win two more titles in 2009 and 2016.
Wales' latest victory came as a surprise result vs. Scotland in 2017. It was the first time the Scots had beaten Wales since 2004.
Scotland displaced Italy in sixth position, while Ireland won the Triple Crown for the second time in a row and the third time in four years. Wales interrupted France's dominance in 2008 by winning the Grand Slam for the second time in four years, after a spectacular start against England. France had not lost at home before 2009.
France finished fourth in the table, just one point behind third-placed Ireland, who claimed their first title in nine attempts. They were followed by Wales (fifth), England (seventh) and Italy (eighth).
The Calcutta Cup was won by England, who beat Scotland 24-9 in the final at Murrayfield. It was the first time that an English team has won this competition. The scoreline flatters both teams as it was a dull match with few clear-cut opportunities for either side. However, England scored through two late tries to claim victory. This is also the first time that an English team has won back-to-back editions of the tournament.
Ireland became the first side to retain the Six Nations Championship since 2002 when they defeated Wales 16-15 in the final at the Millennium Stadium. This was Rory Kockott's last game for the Irish before he moved to French club Toulon. He had been suffering from a knee injury and was replaced by Mike Ross who scored two tries in this game.
Scotland has won the Six Nations championship 15 times in a row and has shared it nine times. England has won it eight times and France seven times.
Scotland last lost the Six Nations in 2003. Since then they have won every game they have played, including two matches against France this year. They are still unbeaten after three rounds of the tournament.
Winning the Six Nations is an achievement that takes place once in every four years. It is known as the "Grand Slam". The only team to have done so was Wales in 1905.
The Six Nations is used to determine which country wins the most prestigious trophy in rugby - the World Cup. However, it is not enough to win just one match - you need to win all of them to take the title. Scotland has yet to do this but is very close to achieving this feat. If it wins its next match against Italy, it will have become the first side to defend the title.
Italy is the only other side that has ever won the Six Nations twice - in 2000 and 2001. They remain the only undefeated side in the history of the competition.
The Six Nations has grown in importance over the years.
It began in 1988 as part of Dublin's millennium festivities. The award is shaped like a horned Viking helmet. England has won it 20 times as of 2020, and Ireland has won it 13 times. The current holders are Ireland. They will be defending their title in 2021.
Ireland first beat England at the World Cup when they were still known as the Irish Free State in 1949. Since then they have beaten them every time they have met at test level - including during the recent series which England won 1-0. There has never been a three-match series between these two countries that has ended in anything other than a draw.
Ireland's record against England at home is perfect; they have won all 13 matches played by either side. This world cup will be their third appearance in the tournament, having also reached the quarter-finals in both 1995 and 2011. England's last eight appearances have all ended in defeat, with their only victory coming over France in 2003.
England's next match is against Japan on 21 September. It will be held at St George's Park in Sydenham, South London. This is an important game for Japan who need to win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. England are already through to the quarter-finals where they will face Australia on 30 September.
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