The Six Nations wooden spoon is awarded informally to the nation that finishes in last place in the Championship table. While not an official trophy, it generates a popular and straightforward betting market — and often offers value given the perceived certainty of some outcomes that then do not materialise.
Who Typically Wins the Wooden Spoon?
Italy has historically been the most common wooden spoon recipient in the Six Nations, though the gap between Italy and the other nations has narrowed significantly in recent seasons. Wales has also finished last on multiple occasions. Scotland, while never the most fancied team, have avoided the wooden spoon in most recent seasons. The wooden spoon market reflects current squad quality and depth across the full five-round campaign.
Why This Market Can Surprise
Wooden spoon markets can be misleading if backed on the basis of historical patterns alone. Italy has shown significant improvement in recent seasons and has beaten both Wales and Scotland in recent campaigns. Any pre-tournament wooden spoon favourite should be assessed based on current squad, coaching staff and upcoming fixtures — not purely historical record.
Main Market Types
- To finish last (wooden spoon): Straightforward market — back a nation to finish in sixth place.
- To be relegated (if applicable): Some future formats may include a promotion/relegation element; currently the Six Nations is a fixed six-team competition.
- To win fewer than X matches: Prop markets on individual nations' win totals across the five rounds.
Responsible Betting
Wooden spoon markets run for the full five rounds. Budget for the season. Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust at 1800 753 753 or visit gamblingcare.ie. 18+ only.
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Compare Betting Odds →Frequently Asked Questions
The wooden spoon is an informal prize for the team that finishes in last place (sixth position) in the Six Nations Championship table. It has no official status — the term comes from university rowing traditions — but is widely used in rugby coverage and betting markets.
Yes — Italy has beaten other Six Nations nations including Scotland and Wales in recent seasons, avoiding the wooden spoon. Italy's improvement under recent coaching regimes has made the wooden spoon market less predictable than it was in earlier years.
Currently, the Six Nations has no promotion or relegation. It remains a fixed six-team competition. There have been ongoing discussions about adding a tier-two promotion playoff, but no such system is in place as of 2026.
Italy has the highest number of wooden spoon finishes in the Six Nations era (since 2000), followed by Wales. However, the competitive balance has shifted in recent seasons and wooden spoon predictions should not rely solely on historical record.