Six Nations Rugby Championship

Six Nations Rugby Championship

What is the Six Nations Rugby Championship?

The Six Nations Rugby Championship is an annual international rugby union competition involving six European countries: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Known for its intense rivalries and passionate fan base, the tournament is one of the most prestigious events in the rugby calendar, featuring some of the best teams and players in the sport. The competition typically takes place from February to March, culminating in the awarding of the championship trophy to the team with the most points.

Where is it held?

The Six Nations Championship is held across the six participating countries, with each team playing both home and away matches. The venues are some of the most iconic rugby stadiums in the world:

• Twickenham Stadium in London, England
• Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France
• Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland
• Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy
• Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

Getting There by Air

Traveling to a Six Nations Rugby match by air involves flying into one of the major international airports near the host city. Here are key details for each host city:

London, England

Airports:

• Heathrow Airport (LHR): The largest and busiest airport in the UK, located about 14 miles west of Central London.
• Gatwick Airport (LGW): Located about 30 miles south of Central London, it is the second busiest airport in the UK.
• Stansted Airport (STN) and Luton Airport (LTN): Other options, located further from the city center but still well-connected.

From the Airport to Twickenham Stadium:

• Heathrow: Take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station (15 minutes), then the London Underground to Twickenham.
• Gatwick: Take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station (30 minutes), then transfer to the London Underground to reach Twickenham.
• Stansted: Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street Station (45 minutes), then the London Underground.
• Luton: Take the train to St Pancras International (40 minutes), then the London Underground.

Paris, France

Airports:

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The largest airport in France, located about 14 miles northeast of Paris.
• Orly Airport (ORY): Located about 8 miles south of Paris.

From the Airport to Stade de France:

• Charles de Gaulle: Take the RER B train to Gare du Nord, then transfer to RER D to Stade de France (45 minutes total).
• Orly: Take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then RER B to Gare du Nord, and transfer to RER D to Stade de France (50 minutes total).

Dublin, Ireland

Airport:

• Dublin Airport (DUB): The main international airport, located about 6 miles north of the city center.

From the Airport to Aviva Stadium:

• Bus: Take the Aircoach or Dublin Bus to the city center, then the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to Lansdowne Road station near Aviva Stadium (45 minutes total).
• Taxi/Rideshare: Approximately 25-30 minutes to the city center.

Rome, Italy

Airport:

• Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO): The main international airport, located about 20 miles southwest of the city center.

From the Airport to Stadio Olimpico:

• Train: Take the Leonardo Express to Termini Station (30 minutes), then transfer to Metro Line A to Ottaviano, followed by a bus or tram to Stadio Olimpico (1 hour total).
• Taxi/Rideshare: Approximately 45 minutes to the city center.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Airport:

• Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Located about 8 miles west of the city center.

From the Airport to Murrayfield Stadium:

• Tram: Take the Edinburgh Tram directly from the airport to Murrayfield Stadium (30 minutes).
• Bus: Take the Airlink 100 bus to Haymarket, then a short walk to Murrayfield Stadium (40 minutes total).
• Taxi/Rideshare: Approximately 20 minutes to the city center.

Cardiff, Wales

Airport:

• Cardiff Airport (CWL): Located about 12 miles southwest of the city center.

From the Airport to Principality Stadium:

• Train: Take the T9 bus to Cardiff Central Station (35 minutes).
• Taxi/Rideshare: Approximately 30 minutes to the city center.

Accommodation

Each host city offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals. Given the high demand during match weekends, it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. Staying in central locations can provide easier access to the stadiums and other city attractions.

Tickets

Tickets for Six Nations matches are highly sought after and can be challenging to obtain. Here are some ways to secure tickets:

• Official Websites: Tickets are sold through the official websites of the respective rugby unions (e.g., RFU for England, FFR for France, IRFU for Ireland, FIR for Italy, SRU for Scotland, WRU for Wales).
• Hospitality Packages: Various companies offer hospitality packages that include match tickets, dining, and other amenities.
• Secondary Markets: Tickets are sometimes available on secondary markets, but be cautious of potential scams and inflated prices.

Visa Information

Looking to Travel to Europe?

If you are planning to travel to Europe for the Six Nations Championship and you are from a country outside the European Union, you may need a visa. Here’s a general guide to help you:

• Schengen Visa: For most European countries (France, Italy, and Ireland if you plan to visit other Schengen countries), a Schengen Visa is required. This visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can apply for this visa online or at your nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit first. Proof of travel arrangements, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for your stay are typically required.
• UK Visa: If you are traveling to the UK (England, Scotland, or Wales), you will need a separate UK visa. The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

The Six Nations Rugby Championship is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of rugby culture, bringing together fans from across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a casual fan, planning your trip well in advance ensures you make the most of your experience at this iconic tournament.