Red Roses Set to Dazzle in Six Nations Opener

It has been 196 days since England's Red Roses claimed their third Women's Rugby World Cup title, thrilling a record-breaking crowd at Twickenham. Now, with the Women's Six Nations kicking off on April 11, the Red Roses are poised to entertain once again, this time under the lights, as they face Ireland at the Allianz Stadium. For the first time, Meg Jones will captain the side, with over 75,000 fans expected to welcome the team home. Former captain Zoe Aldcroft is among four players sidelined due to pregnancy. 'How fantastic is it that we can maintain those numbers following the World Cup?' said Jones. 'Our role is to entertain and provide a product that people want to watch.' England hasn't faced Ireland since last year's Six Nations, where they secured a 49-5 win in Cork. The Red Roses are on a record-breaking 33-test winning streak and are favored to claim their eighth consecutive Six Nations title and a Grand Slam. Coach John Mitchell, unbeaten in two years, has selected a familiar 32-woman squad, with 25 World Cup winners returning. Ireland, led by captain Erin King, will look to challenge England, while France, under new management, aims to convert encouraging performances into a statement victory. The tournament also features Scotland and Wales, who begin new eras under fresh coaching teams, adding depth and unpredictability to the championship.