England's women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a total of ten tries in a 62-24 rout during the Women's Six Nations. The match showcased the depth and talent of the English side, as several players crossed the try line more than once, and a host of newcomers made an immediate impact. From the opening minutes, England set the tone.
Within six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defense, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball close to the line. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving the hosts an early lead. Just moments later, Millie David, another fresh face, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison and powered her way to the try line, extending the advantage. Unfortunately for David, her celebration was cut short when she failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field.
Wales responded with resilience, narrowing the gap when scrum‑half Keira Bevan seized a ball from the base of a ruck, darted through a gap and scored a try that she converted herself, bringing the score to 12‑7. However, England’s momentum was unstoppable. Flanker Marlie Packer forced her way over for a try, and centre Meg Jones followed with a brilliant solo effort that secured the bonus‑point try, both conversions taken successfully by Rowland.
Wales managed to add a try of their own when hooker Jones crossed after a well‑executed line‑out. By halftime, the Red Roses had built a comfortable 29‑12 lead. The first‑half attack was highlighted by a fluid move that began with Jones, involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finished with Ellie Kildunne, illustrating England’s ability to weave multiple players into a single scoring opportunity.
The second half saw England continue to dominate. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and grounded the ball, with Rowland adding the extra points.
Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the ensuing space, diving into the corner for another try, while replacement Jess Breach added the eighth English try, converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison. Marlie Packer and Maud Muir each added further tries, with Harrison converting both, pushing England’s tally to ten. Wales’ final try came from flanker Seren Lockwood, who secured a bonus point for the visitors as the match clock wound down.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match. In her post‑match 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 a massive honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate is incredible.
It means everything to see these stadiums filled, and we want to give the fans a show they’ll enjoy. Being part of the Red Roses camp is a great environment, and that helps us produce this kind of product on the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, highlighting the character shown by his side: "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." The broader tournament narrative continued to evolve. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a clash that shifted the championship from a three‑horse race to a head‑to‑head showdown between the traditional powers.
France emerged victorious, 26‑7, demonstrating the ruthless efficiency that defines test rugby. Although Ireland displayed periods of inventive, dominant play, costly mistakes and missed opportunities ultimately handed the French side the upper hand.
France’s win placed them level with England atop the table, setting up a potential grand finale between the two nations. Ireland, meanwhile, reflected on a night where three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game turned a promising performance into a disappointing defeat. Their first‑half dominance, led by the powerful carries of Aoife Wafer, was undermined by missed chances, including disallowed scores from Brittany Hogan and Emily Lane, and a crucial try‑saving tackle by Anaïs Grando that kept the score level at halftime.
Further down the tournament, Italy delivered a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby against Scotland in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, winning 41‑14. The match coincided with the 50th cap of pioneering Italian lock Silvia Turani, and the Azzurre’s precise execution meant the contest was effectively decided before the second half began. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, could not match Italy’s ambition and accuracy.
Overall, the Women's Six Nations 2026 continues to showcase the growing depth, skill, and competitiveness of women’s rugby across Europe. England’s ten‑try demolition of Wales underscores their status as the tournament favourites, while France’s disciplined victory over Ireland hints at a thrilling climax to the championship. The tournament’s blend of emerging talent, seasoned veterans, and dramatic storylines promises to captivate fans and further elevate the profile of women’s rugby worldwide.