England's women's rugby side, the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try, 62‑24 victory in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with an early burst of energy as England surged ahead within the first six minutes. Debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence and, after a series of quick passes, grounded the ball in the Welsh 22, securing the opening try. Helena Rowland added the conversion, giving England a 7‑0 lead.
Just moments later, another newcomer, Millie David, made her mark. After receiving a long pass from Holly Aitchison, David sprinted down the wing and crossed the try line, extending the lead to 14‑0. Her celebration was cut short when she later failed a head‑injury assessment, but her early contribution set the tone for the day. Wales responded with resilience.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan collected the ball at the base of a ruck, spotted a gap, and powered through to score, then converted her own try to bring the score to 14‑7. The Welsh side showed flashes of quality, with hooker Jones also touching down after a well‑executed line‑out. England, however, kept the pressure relentless. Flanker Marlie Packer forced her way over the line, and centre Meg Jones followed with a solo effort that secured the bonus‑point try, both conversions taken by Rowland.
By halftime, the Red Roses had built a comfortable 29‑12 lead, the result of a fluid attacking sequence that began with Jones, involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finished with Ellie Kildunne. The second half saw England maintain their dominance.
Hooker Amy Cokayne peeled off the back of a rolling maul to score, and Rowland added the extra points. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. Replacing the penalised Powell, England’s bench made an immediate impact.
Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, and Jess Breach added the eighth try, converted by replacement Zoe Harrison. Packer and Maud Muir each added further scores, both successfully kicked by Harrison, pushing the tally to ten tries. Wales managed a late consolation try through lock Seren Lockwood, securing a bonus point for the visitors, but the final whistle confirmed England’s 62‑24 triumph.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match, praising her teammates and the atmosphere at Ashton Gate. She highlighted the significance of playing in front of a sold‑out crowd and the pride of wearing the Red Roses jersey. Wales head coach Sean Lynn commended his side’s character, noting the improvement and resilience shown despite the heavy defeat.
He acknowledged the clinical execution of the English side and the need for Wales to regroup. Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the tournament continued to deliver drama. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a high‑stakes encounter that ultimately tipped in France’s favour with a 26‑7 win. The French side displayed textbook efficiency, capitalising on Irish errors and converting limited opportunities into points.
Ireland, despite a period of dominance featuring powerful carries from Aoife Wafer, were hampered by three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, leaving them short of a historic victory. The Italian women’s team also made headlines, celebrating veteran Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with a masterclass performance against Scotland.
Italy’s fast‑paced, precise play dismantled the Scottish side 41‑14, showcasing the depth and ambition of the Azzurre squad. Scotland, dealing with the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and multiple injuries, struggled to match Italy’s intensity. These fixtures underline the growing competitiveness of women’s rugby across Europe. England’s unbeaten run, now three wins deep, positions them at the summit of the 2026 Six Nations table alongside France, setting the stage for a climactic showdown later in the season.
Wales, while humbled by the loss, demonstrated moments of promise that could translate into future success as their young squad gains experience. The tournament’s broader impact is evident in the increasing attendance figures and media coverage, with Sky Sports broadcasting live matches and engaging fans through platforms like WhatsApp.
The enthusiasm of supporters, the professionalism of the players, and the strategic development of the women's game suggest a bright future for the sport. Looking ahead, England will aim to maintain their flawless record, refining set‑piece execution and sustaining the attacking flair that has defined their campaign. France will seek to preserve their momentum, while Ireland looks to address disciplinary issues and improve conversion rates. Italy’s confidence will be bolstered by their recent triumph, and Scotland will focus on rebuilding depth and resilience.
Overall, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations continues to captivate audiences with high‑scoring encounters, tactical battles, and inspiring individual performances, reinforcing the tournament’s status as a premier showcase of women’s rugby talent worldwide.