And I was there in the Stadium… I’ve never felt an atmosphere like it. Good game, great result, and a good night with the Irish boys (and some wandering French lads, for some reason) after. Rugby’s a great game, aye.
For those who don’t know, Wales beat Ireland to win the Grand Slam and Six Nations Championship yesterday, for the first time since 1978. There was much celebration. So, we’re European Champions for a change. Good, eh?
To be totally accurate, this is the first time that Wales have ever won the six nations. Last time they won, it was still only five nations. (England, Scotland, Ireland, France & Wales).
That aside the performance this year was fantastic.
I suppose it’s a multi-layered tournament and has grown organically. Without going into all the history of it:
The ‘original’ Five Nations were England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland (collectively known as ‘the Home Nations’) and France. This is the oldest International Rugby Tournament in the world, taking place every year. Italy lobbied for years to be included, and they were let in a few years back.
So. Any nation that beats all the others is said to have won the Grand Slam. Any of the Home Nations that beats the other three wins the Triple Crown. There’s also the Six Nations Championship which goes on a points basis. There are three different levels within the same tournament, basically.
It is, in effect, the European Championship as the best teams in Europe play in it.
