England's women's rugby side, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance against Wales at Ashton Gate, crossing the try line ten times in a 62-24 rout that underscored their dominance in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match featured a host of try‑scorers, including double‑hat‑tricks from Meg Jones and Marlie Packer, while newcomers and seasoned veterans alike contributed to a relentless offensive display.
From the opening whistle, England set the tempo. Within the first six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati burst through the Welsh defence, sprinting deep into the opposition 22 and grounding the ball for the tournament’s first try.
Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, putting the hosts ahead early and signalling the onslaught to come. Just minutes later, another fresh face, Millie David, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison, accelerated down the wing and scored in the corner.
Her try was a highlight of the first half, though it was cut short when she later failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field. Wales fought back with determination. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from the base of a ruck, exploited a gap and crossed the line, then slotted her own conversion to narrow the margin to 12-7.
The Welsh side showed flashes of resilience, with hooker Jones also finding the try line after a well‑executed line‑out. Nevertheless, England’s momentum proved unstoppable. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, followed by centre Meg Jones, who executed a brilliant solo run that secured a bonus‑point try. Rowland added another conversion, extending the lead further.
By halftime, the score stood at 29-12, with England having already accumulated a string of tries that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and play‑maker Ellie Kildunne in a fluid attacking sequence. The second half saw England continue to pile on points. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to touch down, and Rowland again converted, increasing the tally.
Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. Moloney‑MacDonald took advantage of the space created, sprinting to the corner and finishing cleanly. Replacement wing Jess Breach added the eighth try for England, with fellow substitute Zoe Harrison converting.
After Powell returned from the sin bin, England’s intensity did not wane; Packer and newcomer Maud Muir each crossed the line, both conversions again taken by Harrison. The final try came from Wales flanker Seren Lockwood, who managed to secure a bonus point for the visitors as the clock wound down. The match concluded with a 62-24 scoreline, cementing England's perfect record in the tournament after three straight wins.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match, and in her post‑game interview with the BBC she praised 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 today and I’m proud of their performance," Packer said.
She added that wearing the England jersey is a great honour and that playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is "incredible". Packer highlighted the importance of growing the women's game, noting that the enthusiastic support from fans fuels the team's ambition to deliver high‑quality rugby. Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, commending his side's character despite the heavy defeat.
"I asked the girls for character today. Twelve months ago we might have flopped, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point. We can’t fault their spirit," he said, while acknowledging the defensive lapses that allowed England to score 62 points. The broader Six Nations landscape also featured notable moments.
In France, the match against Ireland turned into a decisive clash, with Les Bleues triumphing 26-7. France's efficiency and composure contrasted with Ireland's missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game that ultimately cost them a historic win. The result placed France level with England at the top of the table, setting up a thrilling climax to the championship.
Meanwhile, Italy showcased a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby, dismantling Scotland 41-14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. The Azzurre celebrated the 50th cap of pioneering player Silvia Turani, delivering a performance marked by precision and relentless pressure.
Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy's ambition and accuracy, highlighting the widening gap between the two sides. Overall, the day reinforced England's status as the benchmark in women's European rugby. Their ability to blend experienced campaigners with emerging talent, execute set‑pieces flawlessly, and maintain a high work‑rate across both forwards and backs makes them a formidable opponent. As the tournament progresses, the Red Roses will look to preserve their unbeaten run, while other nations aim to close the gap and challenge England's supremacy in the remaining fixtures.