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Six Nations flags are the quickest way to turn a pub, clubhouse or living room into a match-day venue. The Championship usually runs from early February to mid-March, so the most useful kit is a run of all-six-nations bunting for mixed crowds, plus the flag of the team you follow on the wall or flagpole. Below you'll find each team's flag, the key dates and a practical decorating plan.
Six Nations flags: which flag does each team use?
Five of the six teams are straightforward national flags. Ireland is the exception: the Irish rugby team represents the whole island of Ireland, so many supporters use a rugby or four-provinces design rather than a national flag.
| Team | Flag supporters usually fly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| England | St George's Cross | Red cross on white. The Union Jack represents the whole UK, not the England team. |
| Scotland | Saltire (St Andrew's Cross) | White diagonal cross on blue; available in light and navy blue shades. |
| Wales | Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) | Red dragon on green and white. |
| Ireland | Irish rugby flag or Four Provinces flag | Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht together reflect the all-island team. Some fans also fly the tricolour. |
| France | Tricolore | Blue, white and red vertical stripes. |
| Italy | Il Tricolore | Green, white and red vertical stripes. |
Key dates and trophies
The men's Championship is played over five rounds, usually with a rest weekend after rounds two and three. For the 2027 tournament, the published fixtures are below. Check the official schedule for kick-off times, which are often confirmed later.
| 2027 men's Six Nations | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening match (Ireland v England, Friday night) | 5 February 2027 |
| Round 1 (remaining games) | 6 February 2027 |
| Round 2 (England v France on Sunday 14th) | 13–14 February 2027 |
| Round 3 | 20–21 February 2027 |
| Round 4 | 5–6 March 2027 |
| Final weekend (ends with Ireland v France) | 13 March 2027 |
Alongside the title itself, several trophies are played for within the tournament, and they make good themes for a decorated bar:
- Triple Crown – won by whichever of England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales beats the other three.
- Calcutta Cup – England v Scotland, contested since 1879.
- Grand Slam – winning all five matches.
- Other match trophies include the Millennium Trophy (England v Ireland) and the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (France v Italy).
Decorating a pub or rugby club for the Six Nations
Most venues show every match, not just their home nation's, so neutral decoration that covers all six teams keeps every customer happy. A simple plan that works for most bars:
- Ceiling runs: Six Nations rugby bunting repeats all six flags along the string. Measure each run you want to cover and add around 10% for the sag between fixings.
- Big statement: a 15m giant Six Nations bunting run along the frontage or across a function room is visible from the street.
- Tables: a small table flag for each team on the tables nearest the screens helps groups of visiting fans claim their spot.
- Your team's flag: a 5ft x 3ft or 8ft x 5ft flag behind the bar or on a flagpole outside. For an outside pole that stays up all tournament, a more durable flag such as a DuraFlag is worth considering.
- Fans at home: hand flags and a single team flag on the wall are usually enough for a living room watch.
For more detail on measuring, layering and safety, see our guide to decorating a pub or club for a big sporting event, and the bunting buying guide for lengths and styles.
Supporters' flags for travelling fans
If you're travelling to Twickenham, Murrayfield, the Principality Stadium, the Aviva, the Stade de France or the Stadio Olimpico, check the stadium's own rules first. Many grounds restrict flag size and ban rigid poles, so a 5ft x 3ft flag without a pole, or a small hand flag, is the safe choice. The same flags work for the women's and under-20s Championships, which run on their own schedules.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Six Nations start?
Usually on the first weekend of February, finishing in mid-March. The 2027 men's Championship starts on Friday 5 February with Ireland v England and finishes on 13 March.
What flag do Ireland rugby fans use?
Because the team represents the whole island of Ireland, many supporters fly an Irish rugby flag or the Four Provinces flag, which combines the arms of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht. Others use the tricolour. All are commonly seen at matches.
How much bunting do I need for a pub?
Measure every run you want to cover (walls, beams or across the ceiling) and add about 10% for drop between fixing points. A small bar typically needs 15–30m; a large venue or function room may need 50m or more.
Should I fly the Union Jack for England matches?
For the England rugby team, the St George's Cross is the right flag. The Union Jack represents the United Kingdom as a whole, and Scotland and Wales play as separate teams.
Get your venue ready
Browse our Six Nations rugby flags and decorations, the full range of Six Nations bunting, or pick individual home nation flags for your team. Ordering two to three weeks before the opening weekend leaves time to plan your layout.
