So, you’re settled in for a Six Nations weekend, the commentary is flowing, and suddenly they’re talking about playing for the ‘Calcutta Cup’ or the ‘Millennium Trophy’. You nod along, but maybe you’re not 100% sure what each one actually is. With so many historic prizes, cups, and awards up for grabs alongside the main Championship trophy, it’s easy to get them mixed up.
Fear not! This is your go-to guide from The Rose & Crown to all the silverware and accolades you’ll hear about during the Guinness Six Nations. We’ll break down what each one is, who competes for it, and the stories behind the names.
Six Nations Championship Trophy
This is the big one. Awarded annually to the outright winner of the Six Nations Championship, it’s the ultimate prize in Northern Hemisphere rugby. If a team wins all five of their matches, they also achieve a ‘Grand Slam’. The current trophy was introduced in 1993 and is held by the winning union until the next tournament. The England national rugby union team and Head Coach Steve Borthwick have this magnificent cup as their primary target every year.
The Calcutta Cup
Perhaps the most famous subsidiary trophy. Awarded to the winner of the Scotland vs England trophy match, it’s one of rugby’s oldest, first contested in 1879. The cup itself is made from melted-down Indian silver rupees. It resides with the winner until the next fixture, leading to famous celebratory scenes, whether at Murrayfield or Twickenham Stadium.
The Millennium Trophy
Contested between England and Ireland, this trophy was introduced in 1988 to celebrate Dublin’s millennium year. It adds an extra layer of intensity to an already fierce rivalry. The Irish have had a strong hold on it in recent years, making its recovery a key objective for the England men's rugby team.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy
A relatively newer award, introduced in 2007 for the match between France and Italy. It’s named after the Italian revolutionary who was born in Nice, symbolising the historical and cultural links between the two nations. The trophy’s design features a shield reminiscent of the one carried by Garibaldi’s troops.
The Auld Alliance Trophy
Another modern addition, created in 2018 for the France vs Scotland match. It commemorates the ‘Auld Alliance’, a historic pact between Scotland and France dating back to 1295. The beautiful trophy is crafted from oak and features thistles and fleurs-de-lis.
The Doddie Weir Cup
Awarded in the match between Scotland and Wales, this cup was established in 2018 in honour of the late Scottish lock Doddie Weir, who battled Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with incredible courage. It serves to raise funds and awareness for MND research, making it one of the most poignant contests in the calendar.
The Triple Crown
An historic and prestigious honour, not a physical trophy. It is awarded to any Home Nation (England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland) that manages to beat the other three within a single Six Nations rugby campaign. It’s a huge source of pride and a significant achievement noted in the record books.
The Grand Slam
The ultimate Championship achievement. A team secures a Grand Slam by winning all five of their matches in a single tournament. It’s a rare and magnificent feat that cements a team’s place in history. The Red Rose last achieved this under the guidance of the Rugby Football Union in 2016.
The Wooden Spoon
A mythical, and unwanted, ‘award’. It is said to go to the team that finishes the Championship with zero wins, being ‘whitewashed’. While no physical spoon is given, it’s a term steeped in tournament folklore and something every team desperately wants to avoid.
Man of the Match
An award given to the standout player in an individual fixture. Often decided by broadcasters or fan votes, it recognises exceptional performance on the day. Players like Marcus Smith or Ellis Genge are frequent contenders for this accolade in England games.
Player of the Championship
Awarded after the tournament concludes, this honour is voted for by the public. It recognises the most outstanding individual across the entire Guinness Championship. England stars like Maro Itoje have been strong candidates in recent years.
Twickenham Stadium
Often called ‘HQ’ by fans, this is the home of England Rugby. With a capacity of over 82,000, it’s the largest rugby union stadium in the world and where England play their home matches, including their critical fixtures in the Six Nations.
Cap
The term for an appearance for the national team. Each player receives a physical cap (originally an actual cloth cap) to mark their debut. The number of caps a player has is a key measure of their experience and service, crucial for understanding a squad’s profile in our latest-news and squad announcements.
Autumn Nations Series
The series of international matches played by Northern Hemisphere teams in November, previously known as the Autumn internationals. These end-of-year tests are vital preparation for the Six Nations and often feature clashes with Southern Hemisphere giants.
The Championship
A common shorthand used to refer to the Six Nations Championship itself. When pundits talk about “winning The Championship,” they mean topping the six-nations-standings-table-explained.
Try
The primary method of scoring, worth five points. It is achieved by grounding the ball with downward pressure on or over the opponent’s goal line. A successful conversion kick after a try adds two further points.
Conversion
The kick taken after a try is scored, worth two points. The kick is taken from a spot in line with where the try was scored, making scoring near the posts highly advantageous for kickers like Owen Farrell.
Penalty
A kick awarded for various infringements by the opposition, worth three points if successfully kicked through the posts. Reliable goal-kickers are invaluable for accumulating points.
Drop Goal
A strategic method of scoring worth three points. A player spontaneously drops the ball onto the ground and kicks it over the crossbar during open play. It’s often a game-winning tactic in tight matches.
Line-out
The method of restarting play after the ball has gone into touch (out of bounds). Forwards line up and contest for the ball thrown in from the sideline. It’s a key set-piece where players like Itoje excel.
Scrum
A contest for possession where the eight forwards from each team bind together and push against each other. It restarts play after minor infringements and is a fundamental, physical battle at the heart of the game.
Ruck
Formed when at least one player from each team is in contact over the ball on the ground after a tackle. Players must enter from their own side, and it’s crucial for securing or contesting possession.
Maul
Occurs when a ball carrier is held up by one or more opponents and one or more of the ball carrier’s teammates bind on. The entire group must be moving towards a goal line. It’s a powerful attacking weapon, especially close to the try line.
Advantage
A rule that allows play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team gains a tactical or territorial benefit. The referee will call “advantage over” if sufficient benefit is gained, or blow the whistle to bring play back for the penalty if not.
Sin Bin
Where a player is temporarily suspended from the game for ten minutes for a serious infringement (a yellow card offence). Playing with 14 men for ten minutes can dramatically swing a match.
So, there you have it—your essential glossary to the trophies, terms, and triumphs of the Six Nations. From the historic weight of the Calcutta Cup to the modern significance of the Doddie Weir Cup, each element adds a rich layer of story to every match. Understanding these terms will deepen your appreciation for every scrum, every penalty, and every piece of silverware fought for on the pitch. Now you’re fully equipped to enjoy every moment of the Championship drama.
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