England's women's rugby side, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try onslaught that secured a 62‑24 triumph 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 the depth and finishing ability of the squad. In addition to the double‑scorers, a host of other players added to the tally: debutant Maddie Feaunati, newcomer Millie David, veteran hooker Amy Cokayne, centre Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, wing Jess Breach and forward Maud Muir all found the try‑line, illustrating how the entire team contributed to the rout.
The early minutes set the tone. Within six minutes, Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, driving deep into the 22‑meter area before grounding the ball for a try that was promptly converted by Helena Rowland. The conversion gave England a quick lead and highlighted the fluidity of their attacking patterns, which combined quick ball movement with powerful running lines.
Just another six minutes later, Millie David seized a long pass from scrum‑half Holly Aitchison, sprinted down the wing and scored, only to be forced off later in the game after failing a head‑injury assessment. Her brief but impactful cameo underscored the youthful vigor England brought to the field. Wales, however, refused to be mere spectators. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan collected a loose ball at the base of a ruck, exploited a gap in the English line, and not only scored but also converted her own try, narrowing the deficit to 12‑7.
This moment of Welsh resilience demonstrated that the hosts could still threaten, and it provided a brief spark of hope for the visitors. England’s response was swift and decisive. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over for a try, and shortly thereafter centre Meg Jones executed a brilliant solo run, evading multiple tacklers before grounding the ball for another score that secured England’s bonus‑point.
Rowland added the conversion, and the Welsh hooker, also named Jones, managed to cross the line from a well‑executed line‑out, keeping the scoreboard ticking for Wales. By the halftime whistle, the Red Roses had built a commanding 29‑12 lead.
The first half saw a thrilling sequence where Meg Jones initiated an attack that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and play‑maker Ellie Kildunne, culminating in another try for Jones. The fluidity of England’s backline, the precision of their set‑pieces, and the relentless pressure applied at the breakdown all combined to keep Wales on the back foot.
The second half continued the narrative of English dominance. Hooker Amy Cokayne peeled off the back of a rolling maul to score, with Rowland again adding the conversion.
Wales suffered a further setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing the visitors’ options on the field. Seizing the advantage, Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, while Jess Breach added her own try, both of which were converted by replacement kicker Zoe Harrison. England’s relentless attack persisted.
Packer added another try, followed by a score from Maud Muir, each conversion again taken by Harrison. Even as the clock wound down, Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but the final whistle confirmed a 62‑24 scoreline, granting England a bonus point and cementing their perfect record in the tournament.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match. In her post‑game interview with the BBC, she praised the Welsh side for their improvement and highlighted the pride she feels wearing the England shirt in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate. She emphasized how the growing popularity of women’s rugby, reflected in packed stadiums, fuels the team’s motivation to deliver high‑quality performances.
Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, commending his players’ character after they fought back to claim a bonus point despite the heavy loss. He noted that a year earlier the team might have collapsed under similar pressure, but this time they displayed resilience and determination, even if the defensive lapses that allowed 62 points were costly. Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations continued to produce dramatic storylines.
In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a pivotal encounter that shifted the championship narrative from a three‑horse race to a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France emerged victorious, 26‑7, showcasing the efficiency and composure that define Test rugby.
Although Ireland displayed moments of brilliance and creativity, a series of missed opportunities—including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game—prevented them from capitalising on early dominance. The French win leveled them with England at the summit of the table, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the tournament. Ireland, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a night where their early intensity, led by the formidable carrying of Aoife Wafer, was ultimately undone by execution errors and missed chances. In another notable fixture, Italy delivered a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby against Scotland at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Celebrating the 50th cap of pioneer Silvia Turani, the Azzurre executed a precise, attacking game plan that resulted in a 41‑14 victory. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy’s ambition and accuracy, highlighting the widening gap between the two sides. Overall, the week’s matches underscored the growing competitiveness and professionalism of women’s rugby across Europe. England’s Red Roses demonstrated why they remain the benchmark, combining youthful energy with experienced leadership to produce a relentless, try‑scoring display.
Wales showed signs of progress, and the broader tournament narrative promises a thrilling conclusion as the top teams vie for the championship title.