England’s women’s rugby side, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance against Wales in the Women's Six Nations, crossing the try line ten times in a 62‑24 rout. The match, played at Ashton Gate, showcased the depth of England’s talent pool, with several players adding multiple scores to the scoreboard. Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each recorded a brace, leading the charge for England. In addition to their contributions, debutant Millie David made an immediate impact, scoring a try within the first ten minutes before she was forced to leave the field after failing a head‑injury assessment.
Other try‑scorers for England included Maddie Feaunati, Amy Cokayne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Jess Breach and Maud Muir, each of whom helped to cement the team’s dominance throughout the game. Wales, despite the heavy defeat, managed to keep themselves in contention for much of the first half.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan broke away from a ruck and sprinted the length of the field to score, converting her own try to bring the score to 12‑7. The Welsh side also saw hooker Jones cross the line after a well‑executed line‑out, demonstrating that they possessed the skill and ambition to challenge the English side at moments. England, however, never looked back. After the early try by Feaunati, who burst from the Welsh 22 and dived over close to the line, the conversion from Helena Rowland gave the Red Roses a quick lead.
Six minutes later, Millie David collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison and sprinted to the try‑line, only to be later withdrawn due to a concussion protocol. The second half saw England extend their advantage further. After a series of quick phases, Meg Jones started a fluid move that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and centre Ellie Kildunne, culminating in a try that pushed the lead to 29‑12 at the break.
The Red Roses continued to apply pressure after the interval, with hooker Amy Cokayne peeling off the back of a rolling maul to score, while Rowland added the conversion. Wales suffered another setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. England capitalised immediately: Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, and Jess Breach added the team’s eighth try, with replacement Zoe Harrison converting both her own and the subsequent scores. Marlie Packer and Maud Muir each added further tries, flanked by a try from Wales flanker Lewis, while Harrison’s reliable boot added the extra points.
The final try came from Welsh player Seren Lockwood, who managed to secure a bonus point for the visitors as the clock wound down. Marlie Packer was named Player of the Match.
In her 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 the girls’ performance. Wearing this shirt is a massive honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is incredible.
It means everything to us to bring this level of rugby to the fans and to enjoy the camaraderie of the Red Roses camp." 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. We’re disappointed to have conceded 62 points, but England were clinical and deserved the win." The broader context of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations saw other fixtures shaping the tournament narrative. In a separate clash at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France defeated Ireland 26‑7, turning the competition into a head‑to‑head battle between the traditional powerhouses.
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. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated the 50th cap of veteran centre Silvia Turani by delivering a masterclass against Scotland, winning 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Italy’s high‑tempo, precise rugby left the Scots struggling, especially after captain Rachel Malcolm’s late withdrawal and a series of injuries that hampered their competitiveness. Overall, England’s ten‑try demolition of Wales not only reinforced their unbeaten record in the tournament but also highlighted the depth and resilience of the squad.
With a 100 % win rate and a strong bonus‑point tally, the Red Roses are firmly positioned at the top of the table, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the Six Nations as they await the final fixtures against France and other contenders. The match also underscored the growing popularity of women’s rugby, with packed stadiums and enthusiastic crowds reflecting the sport’s expanding fan base. As the tournament progresses, the performances of England, France, and the emerging talents from Wales, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland will continue to shape the future of women’s international rugby, promising high‑quality contests and memorable moments for supporters worldwide.