Ahead of the Women’s Six Nations, the big question was whether any side could finally break England’s iron grip on international rugby. Two rounds in, the Red Roses have shown they are still very much in control, despite a wave of injuries and pregnancies that has forced the squad into a transition period not seen in ten years. Their depth, however, appears virtually limitless. With World Cup‑winning captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft) among a long list of absentees, England looked a little rusty in their opening match against Ireland.
Yet even with several key players missing, the team still possessed enough quality to overcome the challenge. In the second round, the world champions travelled to Murrayfield without ten regulars, but they still managed to dominate Scotland, scoring twelve tries in a record‑breaking 84‑7 victory that marked their 35th consecutive Test win.
The third round pits England against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Before that clash, two very different players gave media their thoughts: 28‑year‑old prop Sarah Bern, a seasoned World Cup winner with 81 caps, and 19‑year‑old back‑rower Demelza Short, who earned her first cap in Edinburgh last weekend. Bern described the current squad composition as a "real mix," noting that several pregnancies have opened doors for younger talent like Short.
"We’ve had a few injuries as well, so the situation has been changing very quickly," she said. "But the message we give the players is simple: you have the licence to attack, to be brave, to express yourself and to show what you can do. That’s how we approach every game." She continued, "Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran Red Rose, the standards are incredibly high.
We’re constantly asked if we ever get bored of winning. The truth is, none of us would say we’ve delivered a performance we’re completely satisfied with yet. Every week we ask ourselves how we can develop our game, how we can grow the sport, how we can push for the best possible attack and defence.
It may sound impossible, but that relentless pursuit is in the Red Roses’ DNA." Bern highlighted the philosophy that "rugby doesn’t care what you did last week or whether you won a World Cup – it only cares about how you show up on the day of the match." She added that part of the challenge is helping young players like Short adapt quickly to the senior environment. The list of unavailable players reads like a who’s‑who of English women’s rugby: pregnancies have taken Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin‑Davies out of the squad, while injuries have sidelined Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, Tatyana Heard and Ales Matthews. Despite this, England have continued to build depth, and the results so far suggest the strategy is working. Bern summed up the team’s mindset: "We’re ambitious and brave.
Yes, we won a World Cup and that was fantastic, but we know we can improve our attack. Injuries have actually accelerated the progression of other players, and everyone understands they have to step up. It takes a lot of hard work off the pitch as well as on it." She explained that communication and leadership are crucial. "There have been many conversations, leaders making sure everyone knows the details because when you step onto the training pitch you need to be prepared, otherwise it becomes very tough.
Every player helps each other out. This is an opportunity, and it makes things more exciting for the fans.
If they see the same thing every week, it gets boring, so we aim to be entertaining." The Red Roses want to showcase the full range of their abilities – carrying, tackling, and playing an exciting brand of rugby – to the world. "We need to keep pushing, showing our personalities, and proving that women’s rugby is a fantastic sport to watch.
It’s different from the men’s game, but both are equally entertaining," Bern concluded. For Demelza Short, the past twelve months have been a whirlwind. She went from playing for England’s U‑18 side at the Six Nations festival at Wellington College, where matches lasted 70 minutes, to earning a place in the senior squad alongside recent World Cup champions. "I still can’t quite believe what’s happened," she admitted.
"It feels surreal. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but each week it becomes a little more normal – though still far from ordinary." Short reflected on her rapid rise: "I never imagined I’d be here so soon. Last year I was still playing U‑18s, and even when I was selected for U‑20 camps I thought maybe I could go somewhere, but not necessarily this season.
Getting the call‑up to the Red Roses and making my debut in this campaign has been absolutely crazy." The broader context of the Women’s Six Nations 2026 shows England’s continued dominance, but also the evolving landscape of the sport. The team’s ability to integrate new talent while maintaining high performance levels speaks to the depth of the player pool and the effectiveness of the development pathways. As the tournament progresses, the Red Roses will face Wales, a side eager to test England’s resilience and adaptability. In summary, despite a significant turnover due to pregnancies and injuries, England’s women’s rugby team has demonstrated that their strength lies not just in individual stars but in a robust system that cultivates talent at every level.
The blend of experienced veterans like Sarah Bern and emerging prospects like Demelza Short illustrates a squad that is both grounded in tradition and open to innovation. Their mantra – that rugby cares only about the performance on the day – continues to drive them forward, ensuring that the Red Roses remain a formidable force in the Six Nations and beyond.