England's women's national rugby team, the Red Roses, produced a spectacular display at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try, 62‑24 victory in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match showcased the depth of England's squad, with several players crossing the line more than once and several newcomers making an immediate impact. The opening minutes set the tone.
Within six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball close to the try line. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving England an early lead. Just a few minutes later, Millie David, another fresh face, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison, powered past the Welsh back‑line and scored her first international try. Unfortunately, David’s day was cut short when a head‑injury assessment forced her off the field.
Wales responded quickly. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from the base of a ruck, found a gap and dived over, then converted her own try to narrow the gap to 12‑7. The early exchange hinted at a competitive contest, but England’s relentless attacking pattern soon re‑asserted dominance. Flanker Marlie Packer, who would later be named player of the match, forced her way over for a try, and centre Meg Jones followed with a brilliant solo run that secured the bonus‑point try.
Rowland added another conversion, while Welsh hooker Jones also crossed from a well‑executed line‑out. By halftime, England had built a comfortable 29‑12 lead, the result of a fluid attack that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and the powerful forward Ellie Kildunne. The second half saw England maintain pressure. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and touched down, with Rowland again converting.
Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing the visitors' chances further. Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the ensuing space, sprinting to the corner for a try, and replacement Zoe Harrison added the conversion.
Jess Breach, coming off the bench, added the eighth English try, and later, Packer and Maud Muir each scored, both conversions taken by Harrison. Wales managed a final consolation try through Seren Lockwood, but it was insufficient to prevent England from sealing a bonus‑point win.
Marlie Packer, speaking to the BBC after the match, 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 today and I’m proud of their performance.
Wearing this shirt is a massive honour, and playing in front of a packed Ashton Gate was incredible. Selling out stadiums means everything to us – we want to give the fans a show they’ll enjoy. Being in the Red Roses camp feels great; the environment pushes us to produce this level of rugby on the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also addressed the result: "I asked the girls for character today. A year ago we might have folded, but they fought back with two tries and secured a bonus point – that shows real character.
We’re disappointed to have let 62 points past, but the Red Roses were clinical and deserved the win." Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the Six Nations tournament continued to produce drama. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France defeated Ireland 26‑7, turning the competition into a head‑to‑head battle between the traditional powers. France’s efficiency and composure contrasted with Ireland’s missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game that turned a promising first half into a loss.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated veteran Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with 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 left the Scottish side depleted. Overall, the day highlighted England’s dominance in the tournament, Wales’s resilience despite the heavy defeat, and the shifting dynamics among the other European nations as they vie for the top spot heading into the final rounds of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.