Six Nations: The Biggest Thrashings Since 2000
Wales hosted France at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with few anticipating a competitive match. The game ultimately highlighted the significant disparities in form and ability within the Six Nations, raising questions about the potential for record-breaking defeats.
Record Losing Margins in the Six Nations
Since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, several matches have resulted in substantial point differences. The largest losing margin in the history of the championship occurred in 2001 when England defeated Italy 80-23 at Twickenham, a 57-point margin.1
The largest home defeat in the Six Nations is Wales’ 68-14 loss to England in 2025, a 54-point margin, and the second-largest overall thrashing.3
The 10 Biggest Six Nations Losing Margins of All Time
- England v Italy 2001 – 80-23 (57-point margin)1
- Wales v England 2025 – 14-68 (54-point margin)3
- Italy v Ireland 2017 – 10-63 (53-point margin)1
- Ireland v Italy 2022 – 57-6 (51-point margin)1
- Italy v France 2025 – 24-73 (49-point margin)2
- Italy v England 2000 – 12-59 (47-point margin)1
- Ireland v Italy 2000 – 60-13 (47-point margin)1
- England v Italy 2011 – 59-13 (46-point margin)1
- Ireland v Wales 2002 – 54-10 (44-point margin)1
- Italy v France 2005 – 13-56 (43-point margin)1
- Ireland v Italy 2016 – 58-15 (43-point margin)1
- England v Italy 2019 – 57-14 (43-point margin)1
- England v France 2023 – 10-53 (43-point margin)1
- France v Wales 2025 – 43-0 (43-point margin)1
Biggest Six Nations Losing Margins by Nation
- England: 43 points (England 10 v 53 France, 2023)1
- France: 29 points (England 48 v 19 France, 2001)1
- Ireland: 39 points (France 44 v 5 Ireland, 2002)1
- Italy: 57 points (England 80 v 23 Italy, 2001)1
- Scotland: 40 points (England 43 v 3 Scotland, 2001)1
- Wales: 54 points (Wales 14 v 68 England, 2025)3
On February 15, 2026, France defeated Wales 54-12, continuing their strong form in the 2026 Six Nations.2
Related reading