England’s women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with ten tries in a 62‑24 victory that underscored their dominance in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with a burst of energy as England surged ahead within the first six minutes. Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the try line twice, while a host of other players added to the tally, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad.
The opening salvo came when Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22‑metre line and grounding the ball for an early try. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving England an early lead.
Six minutes later, debutant Millie David, who had just earned her first cap, received a long pass from Holly Aitchison, accelerated past the defensive line and touched down, further extending the margin. David’s moment of glory was cut short when she later failed a head‑injury assessment, highlighting the sport’s strict safety protocols.
Wales responded with resilience. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a quick ball from a ruck, exploited a gap, and scored, then converted her own try, narrowing the deficit to 12‑7. However, England’s flanker Marlie Packer soon added another try, and centre Meg Jones produced a solo effort that secured a bonus‑point try, with Rowland converting flawlessly.
Wales managed a further try from hooker Jones after a well‑executed line‑out, but the Red Roses entered the halftime break with a commanding 29‑12 lead. The second half saw England maintain relentless pressure. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke off a rolling maul to score, and Rowland added the conversion. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options.
England capitalised immediately; Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, and Jess Breach, coming off the bench, added her own try, converted by replacement Zoe Harrison. Marlie Packer and Maud Muir each added further tries, both converted by Harrison, taking the English total to ten.
Wales managed a late consolation try from Seren Lockwood, securing a bonus point, but the final whistle confirmed a 62‑24 rout. Marlie Packer was named player of the match.
In her interview with the BBC she praised her teammates and the atmosphere: "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 packed Ashton Gate crowd is incredible.
Selling out stadiums means everything to us – we want to give fans a great show and enjoy every moment in the Red Roses camp. It’s a supportive environment that helps us produce this kind of product on the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, commending his side’s character despite the loss: "That’s what I asked for today – character. A year ago we might have flopped, but the girls fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point.
I can’t fault their character. We’re disappointed to have conceded 62 points, but England were clinical and deserved the win." Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the tournament continued to produce dramatic storylines. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a high‑stakes encounter that shifted the championship narrative from a three‑horse race to a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France emerged victorious, 26‑7, demonstrating the efficiency and composure that define top‑level test rugby.
Ireland had moments of brilliance, particularly during a period of sustained pressure led by Aoife Wafer, but missed opportunities – three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game – ultimately cost them a historic win. The French win leveled them with England atop the table, setting the stage for a climactic finish to the tournament. Meanwhile, Ireland’s disappointment highlighted the fine margins in elite competition; a missed conversion or a denied try can swing the result dramatically. Further action unfolded in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, where Italy delivered a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby against Scotland, winning 41‑14.
The match also celebrated the 50th cap of pioneering Italian lock Silvia Turani, whose experience helped anchor a performance marked by precision and attacking flair. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy’s intensity and accuracy, underscoring the growing gap between the two sides.
Overall, the Women’s Six Nations 2026 has provided a showcase of talent, tactical evolution, and the growing popularity of women’s rugby. England’s Red Roses have reinforced their status as the team to beat, combining youthful exuberance with seasoned leadership.
Their ten‑try demolition of Wales not only secured a bonus‑point win but also sent a clear message to rivals: the Red Roses are poised to defend their title with confidence and depth. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate further thrilling encounters, strategic battles, and moments of individual brilliance that will shape the final standings and the future of women’s international rugby.