England's women's rugby side, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with ten tries in a 62-24 victory that cemented their perfect record in the 2026 Women's Six Nations. The match opened with early fireworks as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the line twice, setting the tone for a day in which England would score at will. The scoring barrage began within the first six minutes when debutante Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball close to the line. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving England an early lead.
Just moments later, Millie David, another newcomer, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison and raced down the wing to score her first international try. Although David’s day was cut short after a head‑injury assessment forced her off, her contribution was a clear sign of the depth England possess. Wales responded with resilience.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a quick ball from a ruck, exploited a gap and powered over for a try, then converted her own effort, narrowing the gap to 12‑7. The Welsh side, coached by Sean Lynn, showed flashes of quality and determination, but England’s relentless pressure soon re‑asserted dominance.
Flanker Marlie Packer added another try after a powerful drive, and centre Meg Jones followed with a solo run that earned her a bonus‑point try. Rowland was flawless with the kick, while Welsh hooker Jones managed to cross the line from a well‑executed line‑out, keeping the scoreline respectable. By halftime England had built a comfortable 29‑12 lead.
The first half saw a flurry of involvement from the wider squad: Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne combined in a swift attacking move that culminated in Jones finishing the sequence. The Red Roses’ ability to rotate players without losing momentum was evident, as replacements such as Zoe Harrison and Kayleigh Powell made immediate impacts.
The second half continued in the same vein. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, with Rowland again converting. Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, temporarily reducing England’s back‑line options, but the team adapted quickly. Moloney‑MacDonald showcased her finishing skills with a corner try, and Jess Breach added the eighth try of the match, also converted by Harrison.
Marlie Packer and Maud Muir each added a try on either side of a Welsh flanker’s effort, both conversions taken by Harrison. The final try came from Wales’ own Seren Lockwood, who secured a bonus point for the visitors as the clock wound down. After the match, Marlie Packer was named player of the match.
Speaking to 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 and I’m proud of the girls’ performance. Wearing this shirt is an honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is incredible.
We want to give the fans a show they’ll enjoy, and the environment in the camp helps us produce that kind of product on the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also reflected on the encounter, highlighting the character shown by his side: "That’s what I asked the girls for today – character. A year ago we might have collapsed, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point. We’re disappointed to have let 62 points past, but England were clinical." The broader context of the championship saw France defeating Ireland 26‑7 in a tightly contested match at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, tightening the race at the top of the table. While Ireland displayed periods of brilliance, particularly through Aoife Wafer’s powerful carries, missed opportunities and a shaky kicking game cost them dearly.
Disallowed tries for Brittany Hogan and Emily Lane, combined with a crucial try‑saving tackle by Anaïs Grando, left the Irish side with a 7‑7 halftime score that they could not overturn. In Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap by dismantling Scotland 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Italy’s high‑tempo, precision‑driven play left the Scots trailing early, and the absence of captain Rachel Malcolm, along with a spate of injuries, further hampered Scotland’s chances. The Italian side’s clinical execution highlighted the growing competitiveness of the tournament.
Overall, England’s ten‑try demolition of Wales not only reinforced their unbeaten status but also underscored the depth and versatility of the Red Roses squad. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, England appear poised to maintain their lead as the Women’s Six Nations progresses toward its climactic finale.