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 win that cemented their unbeaten run in the 2026 Women's Six Nations. The match opened with a burst of energy from the English side, as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the try line twice, showcasing their attacking prowess and setting the tone for a dominant display. The early stages saw newcomer Maddie Feaunati make an immediate impact. Within the first six minutes she broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22-meter area and grounding the ball close to the line.
Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, putting England ahead and signalling their intent to control the game from the outset. Just moments later, debutante Millie David capitalised on a long pass from Holly Aitchison, weaving her way past defenders to score her own try. Unfortunately for David, her promising debut was cut short when she failed a head injury assessment, forcing her off the field. Wales responded with resilience, narrowing the gap when scrum-half Keira Bevan snatched a loose ball from the base of a ruck, powered through a gap and grounded the ball herself.
Demonstrating composure under pressure, Bevan also converted her own try, bringing the score to 12-7 and giving the Welsh side a brief foothold in the contest. England, however, quickly reasserted their dominance. Flanker Marlie Packer forced her way over the line, and shortly after centre Meg Jones executed a dazzling solo run that earned her a bonus-point try, with Rowland successfully converting from the first attempt.
Wales managed to add a try of their own through hooker Jones, who finished a well-rehearsed line-out move, but the gap continued to widen. By halftime, the Red Roses had built a comfortable 29-12 lead. The first half featured a thrilling sequence orchestrated by Jones, who linked up with winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and fly-half Ellie Kildunne to create a fluid attacking pattern that culminated in a try for Jones herself.
The momentum was unmistakable, and England’s confidence grew with each successful phase. The second half saw England maintain their intensity. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to touch down, and Rowland added the conversion, extending the lead further.
Wales suffered a setback when full-back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. Moloney-MacDonald seized the opportunity, sprinting to the corner and finishing with precision, while replacement Jess Breach added her own try, converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison.
The English bench proved decisive, providing fresh legs and clinical finishing. Marlie Packer added another try, followed by a score from Maud Muir, both converted by Harrison, pushing England’s tally to ten tries. Wales managed a consolation try from flanker Seren Lockwood near the end, securing a bonus point but unable to stem the tide of English superiority.
Post‑match, 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 and I’m proud of their 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 deliver a product that the fans can enjoy. The camp environment is fantastic, and that positivity translates onto the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn reflected on his side’s effort, emphasizing character: "That’s what I asked the girls for today – character. A year ago we might have flopped, but they fought back with two tries and secured a bonus point. I can’t fault their character, even though we conceded 62 points.
England were clinical and deserved the win." Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the tournament continued to produce dramatic narratives. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a high‑stakes encounter that shifted the championship outlook from a three‑horse race to a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France emerged victorious, 26-7, demonstrating the ruthless efficiency required at the Test level. Ireland, despite moments of brilliance and a period of sustained pressure, were undone by errors and missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and an inconsistent kicking game.
The French win leveled them with England atop the table, setting up a climactic finale to the Six Nations. Ireland’s disappointment was palpable; their early dominance, led by the formidable carrying of Aoife Wafer, was not enough to overcome the decisive French defence and disciplined execution. Further down the ladder, Italy delivered a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby against Scotland at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Celebrating the 50th cap of veteran centre Silvia Turani, the Azzurre executed a precise, attacking game plan that left the Scots trailing 41-14. Scotland’s campaign was hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, exposing a gap in depth and experience compared with a revitalised Italian side that combined ambition with accuracy.
Overall, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations has highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s rugby across Europe. England’s Red Roses continue to set the benchmark for consistency and attacking flair, while the other nations are narrowing the gap through strategic development, emerging talent, and an increasing fanbase that fills stadiums and fuels the sport’s rapid growth.