Rome, the Eternal City, will take centre stage this January as it hosts two landmark events to capture the public’s imagination, with the competition getting underway on Friday 31st January and concluding on ‘Super Saturday’ on 15th March.
‘Living statues’
Six living statues, placed around various historic landmarks in Rome, each painted in the traditional colours of our Championship teams - England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales - have been carefully crafted to represent the captains of these iconic rugby nations.
More than just a visual spectacle, these statues come with a modern twist: a QR code, which may just be why you’re reading this right now. Here you can find out more about the Championship, and Italy's part in our story since they became part of it in 2000.
A brief history of the Six Nations
The Six Nations Championship is one of rugby’s oldest and most prestigious tournaments. Originating as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, it expanded to include France in 1910 and evolved into the Six Nations with Italy’s inclusion at the turn of the Millennium. The tournament is celebrated for its fierce rivalries, thrilling matches, and passionate fans.
To learn more about the history of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, click here.
A celebration of 25 years for Italy
This year’s launch holds special significance as it marks Italy’s 25th anniversary of participation in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship.
To celebrate this milestone, the official tournament launch will take place in Rome on Tuesday 21st January, further emphasising Italy’s enduring role in the competition. Since joining in 2000, Italy have produced moments of unbridled joy and unforgettable drama.
Their inaugural victory against Scotland in Rome set the tone for what Italian rugby could offer: courage, skill, and a never-say-die spirit. Over the years, players like Sergio Parisse, Martin Castrogiovanni, and more recently Ange Capuozzo and Tommaso Menoncello (2024’s Player of the Championship) have become household names, inspiring a new generation of Italian rugby fans.
Last year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations was their best yet, including wins against Scotland and Wales, plus a draw with France.
With a young, dynamic squad eager to prove themselves under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada, the Azzurri are poised to make their 25th year in the Championship one to remember.
A premiere worthy of the occasion
The Space Cinema Roma Moderno, nestled just a stone’s throw from the iconic Villa Borghese, will provide a glamorous setting for the unveiling of Netflix’s ‘Six Nations: Full Contact’ season two. Following the success of the first season, which offered fans unprecedented access to the highs and lows of the Championship, this second season promises to delve even deeper into the stories behind the action. From the triumphs of Ireland’s 2024 title win to the emergence of new heroes across the six competing nations, the documentary captures the essence of what makes the Six Nations unique.
As the cameras pan from the locker rooms to the roaring crowds, viewers will witness the passion, pride, and sheer emotion that define the competition. For Italy, expect the entertaining Cannone brothers, Lorenzo and Niccolò, to feature heavily, while also following newcomer Quesada as he navigates his first campaign in charge.
Setting the stage for 2025
The following day, Spazio Field – a striking contemporary venue in Palazzo Brancaccio –will host the official media launch of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations. Rome, with an ancient tale to be told around every corner, provides the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable Championship. As the rugby world gathers to look ahead to the tournament that marks a new year of Test match rugby, the spotlight will naturally fall on Italy’s quarter-century milestone.
The 2025 Championship opens with a tantalising Friday night clash between France and Wales at the Stade de France on January 31st. Italy begin their campaign the following day in Edinburgh, but Welsh, French and Irish fans will no doubt be looking forward to one of the ultimate rugby trips when they head to Rome for their games at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy’s addition to the Championship 25 years ago saw more than just a change in the competition’s name. It ushered in new traditions (especially for visiting fans), a new fanbase, and a new perspective to a tournament already rich in history.
So, whether you’re watching ‘Six Nations: Full Contact’ season two for an insider’s view of the game or just gearing up for the drama of the 2025 Championship, this January all roads lead to Rome.
Don’t miss Italy’s home matches
As the excitement builds, rugby fans are reminded to secure their tickets for Italy’s home matches:
Italy v Wales: Saturday 8th February 2025, 14:15 (GMT) 15:15 (CET)
Italy v France: Sunday 23rd February 2025, 15:00 (GMT) 16:00 (CET)
Italy v Ireland: Saturday 15th March 2025, 14:15 (GMT) 15:15 (CET)
Tickets can be purchased via the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) website - HERE
Join the action
Whether you’re a lifelong rugby fan or new to the game, the living statues in Rome offer a perfect way to connect with the tournament’s history and excitement. We hope you enjoy exploring the Six Nations story, and secure your place at the Stadio Olimpico to witness Italy’s rugby heroes in action.
