Everything you need to know about the Six Nations

Calling all rugby union fans, it's nearly time for this year's Six Nations Championship.

While the women's competition will take place in March and April, the men get underway later this month and it's set to be an exciting tournament.

Ireland were crowned last year's men's champions, lifting the trophy for the second year in a row.

However, no country has won the tournament three years running, and with each squad hoping to prove themselves as the best nation in the competition, it could be a close contest.

So, what else can we expect over the next few weeks? Here's everything you need to know about this year's tournament.

Will you be watching the Six Nations? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!

What is the Six Nations tournament?

Ireland were crowned Six Nations Champions in 2023

The Six Nations is one of the oldest tournaments in rugby, having been played in one form or another for more than 140 years.

It's the biggest rugby tournament in the northern hemisphere and takes place every year between the top rugby union-playing countries in Europe.

What was initially a men's international tournament featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, has grown to include France and then Italy, who were invited to take part in 2000.

The Six Nations that take part today are England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy.

The Ireland rugby union team is made up of players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, unlike in football, where separate teams represent both countries.

The women's Six Nations competition is held separately and has been taking place since 1996.

Who are this year's favourites?

Ireland are looking to win the tournament for the third year in a row

Ireland are hoping to become the first team in the history of the Six Nations to win the title three times in a row.

However, they will be without their usual boss, Andy Farrell, who is away preparing for his role with the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer.

Instead, Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby will be in charge throughout the championship.

France, who last won in 2022, are expected to be tough competition.

They finished in second place last year, but they were without their star captain Antoine Dupont who will make his much-awaited return to the Six Nations in 2025.

Dupont chose to miss last year's tournament to focus on the summer Olympics in Paris instead.

England are also predicted to do well - with their young and energetic squad expected to be strong challengers.

What are the opening weekend fixtures?

The Stade de France in Paris will host the first Six Nations match this year

This year's men's Six Nations takes place between Friday 31 January and Saturday 15 March.

France host Wales in the opening match of this year's tournament at the Stade de France in Paris, which kicks off at 8.15pm.

The following day, on Saturday 1 February, Scotland take on Italy at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium at 2.15pm.

Later that afternoon, Ireland begin their campaign to try and retain the trophy when they face England at 4.45pm at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

What is the Grand Slam?

France won the Championship and the Grand Slam in 2022

If a team wins all five of its matches, it is called a Grand Slam, but to win a Grand Slam is very hard.

Most recently, Ireland and France won the Six Nations by completing the Grand Slam in 2023 and 2022 respectively.

England's women have won the Grand Slam three years in a row in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

What is the Triple Crown?

A team can lift the Six Nations trophy (on the left) but not win the Triple Crown (on the right)

The Triple Crown is a special prize that only the four home unions - England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - are able to win.

A team can only secure the Triple Crown if they beat all three of the other home sides.

Although it gives a team a great chance of overall success - winning the Triple Crown doesn't always mean you win the Six Nations.

In 2022 Ireland beat England, Wales and Scotland but didn't win the Six Nations tournament overall.