Over the years, fans watching the Six Nations and the Five Nations tournaments have witnessed some truly incredible tries. This includes Gareth Edwards’ four-minute brace in 1972, as well as Brian O’Driscoll’s epic effort against Scotland in 2002.
From England and Ireland to Scotland and Wales, the top try scorers in Six Nations history hail from across the four Home Nations. But, which player has scored the most Championship tries?
Without further ado, here are the seven players who have scored the most tries in Six Nations history.
7. Rory Underwood: 18 Tries
Winger Rory Underwood represented England from 1984 to 1996. In total, he scored 50 international tries during his career. 18 of these were scored at the Five Nations.
Underwood scored his first Five Nations try in 1984, during England’s 32-18 loss against France. Seven years later, Underwood scored two tries and celebrated England’s ninth Grand Slam.
Additionally, Underwood was the tournament’s top try scorer in 1990 and 1992 – he scored four tries in 1990 and three tries in 1992.
6. Cyril Lowe: 18 Tries
Tied alongside Rory Underwood is fellow Englishman, Cyril Lowe. Lowe started competing in the Five Nations in 1914 and his record dates back to his final Championship try in 1923.
Interestingly, Lowe scored all 18 of his international tries across five Championships. He crossed the line a whopping eight times in 1914, twice in 1920, three times in 1921, four times in 1922 and once in 1923.
The competition paused during the First World War, when Lowe joined the army as a second lieutenant. Although Lowe returned to rugby in 1920, he retired in 1923 so that he could pursue his military career.
5. Gareth Edwards: 18 Tries
Sir Gareth Edwards sits at number five in the list of Six Nations top try scorers. He was a notable member of the Welsh squad during their Golden era, a period when Wales dominated the Championship.
Edwards scored his first Five Nations try in 1968. Three years later, he scored a brace against Ireland. His performance in this game was pivotal to helping Wales achieve their first Grand Slam since 1952.
During Edwards’ career, Wales achieved three Grand Slams and seven Championship titles. He was also the top try scorer in 1972 and 1976.
4. Shane Williams: 22 Tries
At number four is Shane Williams. The Welshman won his first cap at the 2000 Six Nations, when he was selected as a replacement in Wales’ encounter against France.
During his international career, Williams crossed the line 60 times for Wales. This included 22 tries at the Six Nations, the first of which he scored against Italy in 2000. Five years later, he scored three tries at the 2005 tournament. This included Wales’ only try in their famous 11-9 win over England.
In 2008, Williams was the top try scorer of the tournament. He slotted six tries, won his second Grand Slam and was voted as the Player of the Championship. Finally, in 2010, he was the joint top try scorer with three tries.
3. George North: 23 Tries
George North has scored the third-most tries in Six Nations history. He made his first appearance at the tournament in 2011, when he was selected to start against France. The following year, North scored his first Six Nations try during Wales’ thrilling 23-21 opener against Ireland. He then played in every game of the tournament as Wales claimed their first Grand Slam since 2008.
Four years later, North was the top try scorer of the 2016 Six Nations with four tries. Then, in 2019, he scored two tries when Wales beat France 24-19. As a result, he celebrated the second Grand Slam of his Six Nations career – his first was in 2012.
Additionally, North also set a new record at the 2021 Championship. It was at this tournament that he became the youngest rugby player to earn 100 caps.
2. Ian Smith: 24 Tries
As the only Scottish player on this list, Ian Smith’s record dates back to the early 1900s. Smith was a superstar of Scottish rugby during the 1920s and 30s. He was also the Five Nations try record holder until 2011, when he was finally eclipsed by Brian O’Driscoll.
Smith made his international debut at the 1924 Five Nations. He scored three tries, helping Scotland to overpower Wales 35-10. Next, in 1925, Smith crossed the line eight times. At the same tournament, he helped Scotland beat England during the first ever match at Murrayfield and claim their first ever Five Nations Grand Slam.
He made his final Championship appearance in 1933. This was the year that Smith captained Scotland to their fifth Five Nations title of his career.
1. Brian O’Driscoll: 26 Tries
With 26 tries, Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll is the Six Nations top try scorer of all time. He made his Championship debut in 2000 and he excelled from his first appearance.
O’Driscoll finished his debut tournament as the joint top try scorer. He scored five tries, including a sensational hat trick during Ireland’s landmark win against France – this was their first victory in Paris since 1972.
Next, O’Driscoll led Ireland to Triple Crowns in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Then, in 2009, he captained Ireland to their first Grand Slam since 1948. Finally, in 2014, his glittering career came to an end with an emotional Championship win.
