England’s women’s rugby side, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with ten tries in a 62‑24 rout that cemented their flawless start to the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match featured a host of try‑scorers, including double‑handed efforts from Meg Jones and Marlie Packer, and highlighted the depth of England’s squad as several debutants and replacements made decisive contributions.
The opening minutes set the tone. Within six minutes, newcomer Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22‑yard line and grounding the ball for England’s first try. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving the hosts an early 7‑0 lead. Just moments later, another fresh face, Millie David, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison, surged down the wing and crossed the try‑line.
Although David’s day was cut short after a head‑injury assessment forced her off, her early impact underscored England’s attacking depth. Wales responded with resilience. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a quick ball from a ruck, identified a gap, and powered over for a try of her own, then dutifully converted it to narrow the margin to 12‑7. The Welsh side showed flashes of promise, but England’s relentless pressure soon re‑asserted dominance.
Flanker Marlie Packer added a powerful try, and centre Meg Jones followed with a solo effort that showcased her footwork and vision, securing a bonus‑point try and extending the lead. Rowland’s conversion was flawless, while Welsh hooker Jones managed to cross the line from a well‑executed line‑out, keeping the scoreboard ticking. By halftime, the Red Roses had built a comfortable 29‑12 advantage. The first‑half highlight reel included a fluid attack that began with Jones, involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finished with Ellie Kildunne, illustrating England’s ability to weave multiple phases together before finishing.
The second half continued in the same vein. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, with Rowland adding the two points. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options.
Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the ensuing space, sprinting to the corner for a try that was converted by replacement Zoe Harrison. Jess Breach, another replacement, added the eighth try for England, again converted by Harrison.
Packer and Maud Muir each crossed the line later, with Harrison’s reliable boot converting both. Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but the gap was too wide. The final try came from England’s lock Maud Muir, and with the clock winding down, Wales secured a bonus point by scoring a late try through Seren Lockwood, though it was insufficient to change the outcome.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match. In her post‑match interview with the BBC she praised the squad’s character, the supportive atmosphere at Ashton Gate, and the growing popularity of women’s rugby: “It means everything to play in front of a sold‑out crowd.
The energy from the fans fuels us, and we love being part of the Red Roses family. The environment here allows us to produce the kind of rugby we want to showcase on the world stage.” Wales head coach Sean Lynn also reflected on the game’s lessons, emphasizing the importance of character and resilience: “A year ago we might have crumbled, but the girls showed heart by fighting back for two tries and a bonus point. We’re disappointed with the 62 points we conceded, but England were clinical and deserved the win.” Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the tournament’s narrative shifted dramatically in other venues.
In the iconic Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France delivered a disciplined 26‑7 victory over Ireland, turning a three‑horse race for the title into a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France’s efficiency and composure under pressure contrasted with Ireland’s erratic kicking and three disallowed tries, leaving the Irish side to rue missed opportunities. Meanwhile, in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Italy celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap by dismantling Scotland 41‑14.
The Azzurre displayed a high‑tempo, clinical style that left the Scottish side scrambling. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a cascade of injuries, could not match Italy’s ambition or accuracy. Overall, the opening round of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations highlighted England’s dominance, France’s resurgence, and Italy’s growing threat, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the championship. The Red Roses, now unbeaten with a perfect points tally, have sent a clear message to their rivals: they possess the depth, skill, and determination to defend their title and continue raising the profile of women’s rugby across the globe.