England's women's national team, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try haul in a 62‑24 triumph that solidified their unbeaten run in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with immediate fireworks as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the try line twice, setting the tone for a game that would see England’s attacking firepower on full display.
The early minutes saw newcomer Maddie Feaunati break through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball close to the line. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, putting England ahead within six minutes.
Just moments later, debutant Millie David, who had been handed the ball by Holly Aitchison, raced down the wing to score her first international try. Unfortunately for David, her celebration was cut short when she failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field. Wales responded with determination, narrowing the gap when scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from a ruck and exploited a gap to score, then converting her own try to make it 12‑7. However, England’s flanker Marlie Packer soon added another try, and centre Meg Jones followed with a solo effort that secured the bonus‑point try, with Rowland converting again on her first attempt.
Wales managed a further try from hooker Jones after a well‑executed line‑out, but the Red Roses continued to pile on the points. By halftime England led 29‑12, thanks to a thrilling sequence that began with Jones, involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finished with a decisive try by Ellie Kildunne. The second half saw England maintain relentless pressure.
Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to touch down, and Rowland added the conversion, extending the lead. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their chances of a comeback. Moloney‑MacDonald took advantage of the extra space, sprinting to the corner to score, while replacement Jess Breach added the eighth try for England, converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison.
The momentum continued as Packer and Maud Muir each crossed the line, with Harrison converting both, pushing the tally to ten tries. Wales managed a consolation try from lock Seren Lockwood near the end, securing a bonus point for the visitors, but the final whistle confirmed England’s dominance.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match, praising her teammates and the atmosphere at Ashton Gate. "We’re really pleased. Wales gave us a tough game and have improved massively.
Our young squad stepped up and I’m proud of their performance," she told the BBC. She added that wearing the England shirt is a huge honour and that playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is "incredible". Packer highlighted the importance of the growing fan base, saying, "Selling out these stadiums means everything to us. We want to give the fans a great show and we love being part of the Red Roses environment." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, commending his side’s character despite the loss.
"I asked the girls for character today. A year ago we might have flopped, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point. I can’t fault their resilience," he said.
He acknowledged the defensive lapses that allowed 62 points but praised England’s clinical execution. The match also had broader implications for the Six Nations tournament. With England’s victory, they remain level on points with France at the top of the table, setting up a potential showdown later in the competition.
Earlier in the week, France had defeated Ireland 26‑7 in a tightly contested game at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, demonstrating the French side’s efficiency and composure under pressure. Ireland, despite a period of dominance and impressive ball‑carrying from Aoife Wafer, were hampered by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game that ultimately cost them a historic win. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with a masterclass performance against Scotland, winning 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Italy’s high‑tempo, precise play left Scotland struggling, especially after captain Rachel Malcolm’s late withdrawal and a series of injuries that depleted the Scottish side.
Overall, the Red Roses’ demolition of Wales underscores England’s depth, youth, and attacking flair. Their ability to score ten tries while maintaining defensive solidity highlights why they are the team to beat in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match not only provided a thrilling spectacle for fans but also reinforced the growing popularity and professionalisation of women’s rugby across Europe, as stadiums continue to sell out and television audiences expand. The Red Roses’ blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent suggests they will remain a dominant force as the tournament progresses toward its climactic final rounds.