Six Nations Ticket Buying Guide: How to Get Official Tickets
So, you want to be part of the roar at Twickenham Stadium this Six Nations Championship? You’re dreaming of seeing Steve Borthwick’s side, led by Captain Owen Farrell, charge out under the Red Rose banner. We don’t blame you. There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a championship matchday at HQ.
But let’s be honest: getting your hands on those precious official tickets can feel like its own contact sport. The scramble, the sold-out signs, the confusing resale sites… it’s enough to make you want to kick for touch.
Don’t worry. This guide is your game plan. We’re going to walk you through, step-by-step, exactly how to secure your seat for the big games. By the end, you’ll know where to go, when to act, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Let’s get you from the sofa to the stands.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before the whistle blows on ticket sales, make sure you’ve got these basics covered. A little prep now saves a lot of panic later.
A Valid Email Address: This is your primary point of contact for confirmations and e-tickets. Use one you check regularly.
Payment Method: Have your credit or debit card details ready. Sales move fast, and you don’t want to be fumbling for your wallet.
Patience and Timing: Official sales often open at specific times (like 10:00 AM GMT). Be online and ready a few minutes before.
Your Fixture Preferences: Know which Six Nations rugby matches you’re targeting. Is it the historic Calcutta Cup clash, or the battle for the Millennium Trophy? Priorities help you decide quickly.
Your Step-by-Step Playbook for Ticket Success
Follow these phases in order for your best shot at success.
Step 1: Start at the Absolute Source – England Rugby & The RFU
This is the most important rule: Always start with the official channels.
Your first port of call for any England home game at Twickenham should be the official England Rugby website and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) ticket portal. This is where tickets are first released and where you are guaranteed to pay face value, avoiding inflated prices.
How to do it:
- Bookmark the official England Rugby ‘Tickets’ section and the RFU’s ticket site.
- Sign up for their official mailing lists and newsletters. This is how you’ll get the crucial early announcements about sale dates for Autumn internationals and the Six Nations Championship.
- Follow their verified social media accounts for real-time updates.
Step 2: Understand the Sale Phases & Get in Early
Ticket sales for big matches are typically released in waves. Knowing this structure is key.
Phase 1: Rugby Club & Constituent Body Ballots. Long before the general public gets a look-in, a large allocation of tickets is distributed through affiliated rugby clubs and the RFU’s constituent bodies. If you have any link to a local club, now’s the time to use it! Speak to your club’s ticket secretary.
Phase 2: Official Hospitality & Travel Packages. Official packages (often including food, drink, and sometimes transport) go on sale. These are more expensive but can be a great option if the standard tickets are gone.
Phase 3: General Public Sale. This is the main event for most fans. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis via the RFU website. You must be registered and ready the moment the sale opens.
Step 3: Master the General Sale Day
This is match day for ticket buyers. Your preparation is tested here.
- Log In Early: Ensure you’re logged into your RFU account at least 15-30 minutes before the sale time.
- Use Multiple Devices (Cautiously): Having the site open on a laptop and a phone can sometimes help, but be careful not to create duplicate orders from the same account.
- Be Flexible: If your first choice of category (e.g., premium seats) is sold out, be ready to instantly select your next preference (e.g., upper tier). Hesitation means losing your spot in the virtual queue.
- Checkout Quickly: Have your card details saved if possible. Complete the purchase as soon as you’ve secured your tickets.
Step 4: If Sold Out, Use the Official Resale Platform
So, the public sale ends, and you see that dreaded “Sold Out” message. Don’t despair and don’t immediately jump to unofficial resellers.
The RFU runs an official, face-value Ticket Resale platform. This is where season ticket holders and fans who can no longer attend can safely and securely resell their tickets. It’s the only resale channel endorsed by England Rugby. Keep checking it regularly, as tickets appear sporadically right up until matchday.
Step 5: Secure Your Travel & Accommodation Early
Once you have that golden ticket confirmation email, don’t pause! Twickenham is in high demand on matchdays.
Book trains well in advance for the best prices.
If you’re staying overnight, look at accommodation options immediately. Prices rise sharply as the match approaches.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
DO:
Set Reminders: For sale dates, resale platform checks, and travel bookings.
Verify Your Source: Every time you click a link, double-check the URL is an official rfu.com or englandrugby.com domain.
Think About Lesser-Known Fixtures: While everyone wants England vs. France, tickets for other Autumn Nations Series games or earlier Six Nations rounds can be easier to obtain and still offer an incredible experience.
DON’T:
Use Unofficial Touting Sites (Ever): Sites like Viagogo or StubHub are not authorised sellers for Twickenham Stadium. Tickets bought here can be invalidated, leaving you stranded at the turnstile after paying a huge markup. This is the biggest mistake fans make.
Assume It’s Hopeless: Persistence pays off. The official resale platform is your best friend.
Forget About Club Rugby: Engaging with your local club can open early ballot opportunities for future games.
Your Six Nations Ticket Checklist: A Summary
Tick these off, and you’ll be well on your way to joining the roar for Marcus Smith’s magic, Ellis Genge’s powerful carries, and Maro Itoje dominating the lineout.
[ ] Bookmark & sign up for official England Rugby / RFU communications.
[ ] Contact your local rugby club to inquire about ticket ballots.
[ ] Note the date and time of the general public sale in your calendar.
[ ] Ensure your RFU online account is active and your details are up-to-date.
[ ] On sale day, log in early and be ready with payment details.
[ ] Have backup seating choices in mind for quick selection.
[ ] If sold out, monitor ONLY the official RFU Ticket Resale platform.
* [ ] Upon success, immediately book travel and accommodation.
For more essential guides on navigating the world of rugby fandom, explore our dedicated hub at /six-nations-guide. And remember, just like setting up two-factor authentication for your ticket account (a very smart move, by the way – it’s as crucial as getting your verification codes sorted), or finding the perfect tool for a precise task (akin to selecting the right eyebrow stencil brand), success is all about using the right, trusted tools for the job.
Now, get planning, get ready, and we’ll hopefully see you at HQ. Come on, England
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