It was contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The 1906 Championship was little more than a footnote to the 1906 season, overshadowed by the excitement and excellence of the Original All Blacks, who had almost completed an "invincible" tour of the British Isles.

The South Africans lacked the tactical finesse of the New Zealand team but they brought new standards of fitness, physique and blistering running pace.

The 1906 season is normally classified as a draw, but technically is given to Ireland as they scored the highest in-game points, despite a worse points difference than Wales.

Although not officially part of the tournament until 1910, a match was arranged with the French national team which was played during the Championship against England.