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Every year Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Wales and Italy (who only
joined in 2000), clash in thrilling physical competition to battle for the
coveted Six-Nations Cup. The first competition took place in 1882, watched
enviously by the (uninvited) union rugby teams in the south - South Africa, New
Zealand and Australia.
Initially called the International Home Championships, it was only in 1910
that the then 5 Nations tournament coined its new name.
The Six Nations tournament has been stalked by its fair share of controversy.
In 1888 / 9 England were barred from the championship because they disputed the
representation on the newly-formed International Rugby Board. In 1897 and 1898
the Welsh caught the flack over a testimonial fund given to the Welsh captain
and the team's star player Arthur Gould. (Gould eventually retired.) But it was
the deal in 1996 between Sky Broadcasting and the Rugby Football Union giving
Sky exclusive coverage of English home games that caused the most heated
controversy. Currently the BBC has exclusive rights to show all Six Nations
matches in Britain.
Six National rugby betting is a like a lucky packet. Besides the usual
betting options, the tournament defines the winners of a number of other
championship titles, cups and trophies.
If a team wins all its matches, then it is given the grand title of Grand
Slam winner. If one of the so-called home union teams (England, Scotland, Wales
or Ireland) beats the 'foreigners', the home union team receives the Triple
Crown. The winner of the matches between Ireland and England claims the
Millenium Trophy. The winner of the matches between France and Italy receive the
Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy. The winner of the matches between Scotland and
Ireland claims the Centenary Quaich.
On the face of it, international rugby giants England and France appear to
dominate the 6 Nations tournament. But, before you take out your cheque book,
wondering where Wales is, be warned that Wales won the trophy in 2008 and has 25
victories under its belt. England only tips the finishing post with 25 wins. The
only country not to have won the competition is Italy.
Check back here for all the latest Six Nations betting news and information.
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