Triple Crown: All The Facts

Where does the name Triple Crown come from?

The origins are of the name are uncertain, but the 6 Nations tournament itself used to be called the Home Nations Championship (when only England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland competed). The Triple Crown accolade was initially an informal honour bestowed on the team that beat the other three teams in the tournament that year. A physical trophy now exists and was awarded for the first time in 2006.

Fast Facts

·         Only the original four “Home Countries” qualify to win it

·         There has been a Triple Crown winner in 64 of the 118 competitions (1883 – 2014)

·         Only two teams have achieved the Triple Crown in four consecutive years: Wales (1976–1979) and England (1995–1998)

England and Wales have clashed directly in ten matches where one team could have claimed a triple crown. Of those England have a won 4, lost 2 record, and Wales have a won 3, lost 1 record.

The very first triple crown was claimed by England in the inaugural championship in 1883.

Since then Wales have had 27 opportunities to claim a triple crown and only failed in seven of those matches, whilst England have played in 35 triple crown deciding matches, winning 24, drawing 1 and losing 10. Ireland and Scotland have each won 10 triple crowns from 25 and 28 matches respectively.