The Guinness Men's Six Nations, "Rugby's Most Loved Annual Occasion"

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The Guinness Men's Six Nations continues to grow, solidifying its place as a modern classic on the global sporting calendar. Offering guaranteed world-class entertainment for fans, it also provides an annual opportunity for players to etch their names into the history of this iconic Championship.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Celebrating 25 Years of the Six Nations Format

Although the Championship's history dates back to 1883, 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Six Nations in its current format, following Italy's addition in 2000.

To commemorate this milestone, the action began in Rome. Captains and head coaches from all Unions and Federations gathered in the Italian capital for the Championship's annual launch event. This year, the setting was particularly grand, with the international rugby captains posing in the Colosseum, one of the world's most iconic arenas, symbolising the gladiatorial spirit of the competition.

The Championship's Global Appeal

Steeped in tradition yet ever-evolving, the Six Nations places Europe's best rugby nations and players on the global stage. Its annual arrival is eagerly anticipated, engaging millions of fans who watch, attend, and participate through initiatives like the Six Nations Fantasy Rugby game.

In 2024, a staggering 185 million fans tuned in across 64 countries. The Championship's digital footprint also expanded significantly, with 4 million social media followers driving 615 million video views, and nearly 300,000 fans competing in the Fantasy Rugby game. These figures set the stage for another unmissable tournament in 2025.

Record-Breaking Performances on the Pitch

The 2024 Six Nations delivered some of the most competitive rugby in its history. Performance statistics from the tournament included:

  • 45.9 points per game, the highest ever.
  • 5.3 tries per game, setting a new benchmark.
  • 8.9 average winning margin, indicating closer matches.
  • 5 comeback victories and 4 wins by lower-ranked teams, emphasising the growing unpredictability of the Championship.

Voices from the 2025 Launch Event

Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, reflected on the Championship's unique appeal:

"The Six Nations Championship is unique in sport and is rugby's most loved annual occasion. The fifteen fixtures over five rounds mean that every game, point, and moment matter—not just for the players, but for the millions of fans who help make the Championship experience so special.

It is fitting that we are in Rome to celebrate the start of this year’s Championship, and 25 years of the Six Nations, since Italy joined in 2000. The experience of the tournament is truly unique, and Italy has helped shape this for fans from all over the world."

Harrison also highlighted the importance of Guinness as a partner:

"2025 has added significance, as we go into the first year of a new partnership with Guinness; the longstanding and dedicated partner of Six Nations Rugby. Guinness and Six Nations are synonymous, and the brand has been at the centre of some of the biggest moments in the Championship."

Guinness: A Champion of Rugby

Guinness cemented its status in rugby by extending its Title Partnership of the Men's Championship in 2023 and taking on the Title Partnership of the Women's Six Nations. Speaking at the launch event, Somnath Dasgupta, Global Marketing Director at Guinness, said:

"The Guinness Men's Six Nations has become a global occasion that taps into culture as much as sport. There are so many defining moments throughout its history, and Guinness is proud to be a longstanding part of that history. As we step into a new chapter with the Championship, our continued partnership with Six Nations demonstrates our shared commitment to grow both the women’s and men’s game and create moments for players and fans to savour.

The 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations kickstarts a huge year of rugby; with the Women's Championship taking centre stage after the men's fixtures conclude, friends and families are encouraged to come together to enjoy months of unmissable experiences and sporting drama. Rugby brings people together in a way unlike any other sport, and Guinness is proud to serve diverse communities around the world and continue to champion diversity and inclusion across rugby and everything else that we do. We are committed to helping make each incredible moment of these Championships matter to the fans, enriching the experience for everyone."

An Unmissable 2025 Championship

As the Guinness Men's Six Nations prepares for another thrilling season, all eyes turn to the pitch for what promises to be a festival of rugby, filled with passion, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments.

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