The Triple Crown is an honour only the four home nations can achieve in the annual Six Nations Championship
The Six Nations Triple Crown first came into existence in the inaugural Home Nations Championship, contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in 1883. It’s remained part of the tournament as it’s become the Five Nations (with the addition of France), and subsequently the Six Nations (following Italy’s entry in 2000).
Games involving France and Italy have no bearing on the Triple Crown, however, because the prize can only be won by a home nation defeating the three other home nations over the course of a single championship. As a result, a team can win the Six Nations but not the Triple Crown – and vice versa.
The Triple Crown was originally an informal honour, much like the Grand Slam is today – it was even known as the “Invisible Cup” because there was nothing for the winning captain to pick up. But since 2006, a new addition to the Six Nations trophy cabinet has rewarded the achievement of beating the other home nations.
Watch the videoThe design of this Six Nations trophy takes elements of each home nation into account, with its four-sided base featuring a rose, a shamrock, a thistle, and the Prince of Wales feathers.
Since the trophy was introduced, it has been won six times by Ireland, four times by Wales, and three times by England. Scotland are yet to have the honour of lifting the physical trophy.
Read more: Who has won the Six Nations Championship?
England were the first team to achieve a Triple Crown and have won it a record 26 times. Wales have lifted the Invisible Cup 22 times, while Ireland have picked up 13. Scotland, the least successful home nation in the Triple crown stakes, have only prevailed on 10 occasions.
Ireland were the last side to win the Triple Crown, when they achieved a Grand Slam in 2023. They also won a Triple Crown in 2022, despite missing out on the Six Nations title to France. This year’s Six Nations fixtures mean that either England or Ireland will be out of the Triple Crown running after the opening weekend.
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