England's women's rugby team, popularly known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance against Wales in the Women's Six Nations, scoring ten tries and winning 62-24. The match, played at Ashton Gate, highlighted the depth and talent of the English side, with several players crossing the line more than once and a number of newcomers making an immediate impact.
The opening minutes set the tone. Within six minutes, England had already taken the lead when Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence and grounded the ball just inside the 22-metre line. Helena Rowland converted the try, giving the hosts an early advantage. Not long after, debutant Millie David collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison, sprinted down the wing and scored her first international try.
Unfortunately for David, her promising start was cut short when she failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field. Wales responded quickly. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from the base of a ruck, slipped through a gap in the English line and dived over for a try, then added the conversion herself. This reduced the deficit to 12‑7 and showed that the Welsh side would not be a pushover.
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 a bonus‑point try.
Rowland successfully kicked the conversion, while Welsh hooker Jones also managed to score from a well‑executed line‑out. By the end of the first half, the Red Roses had built a 29‑12 lead, thanks in part to a fluid attacking move that saw Jones start the play, pass to winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finish with Ellie Kildunne. The second half saw England extend their dominance. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and touched down, with Rowland adding the extra two points.
Shortly after, full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, further hampering Wales' chances. Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the ensuing space, sprinting to the corner for another try, while replacement Jess Breach added the eighth try for England, converted by Zoe Harrison. The scoring spree continued with Packer and Maud Muir each adding a try, both conversions taken by Harrison. Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but the final blow came when Seren Lockwood crossed the line in the dying minutes, securing the bonus point for England and sealing a 62‑24 triumph.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match. In her interview with the BBC she praised the Welsh side for their improvement and highlighted the pride of wearing the Red Roses jersey in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate.
She spoke about the importance of filling stadiums and providing fans with an entertaining product, noting that the supportive environment enables the team to perform at its best. Wales head coach Sean Lynn also addressed the result, commending his players for showing character by fighting back with two tries after a heavy first‑half onslaught. He acknowledged the disappointment of conceding 62 points but recognised England's clinical execution. Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations continued to produce dramatic storylines.
In France, a tightly contested match against Ireland at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin turned into a decisive showdown. France emerged victorious 26‑7, demonstrating the ruthless efficiency required at the highest level.
Ireland, despite a period of dominance and inventive play, were undone by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, ultimately leaving them on the wrong side of a narrow defeat. The tournament also featured a thrilling encounter between Italy and Scotland at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Italy celebrated the 50th cap of veteran prop Silvia Turani with a masterclass performance, dismantling Scotland 41‑14. The Azzurre displayed razor‑sharp precision, scoring early and often, while Scotland struggled after the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a series of injuries that left them unable to match Italy’s tempo and ambition. These matches underline the growing competitiveness and professionalism within women’s rugby.
England’s Red Roses, with a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, have reinforced their status as the tournament favourites. Their ability to maintain a 100‑percent record, secure bonus points, and play an expansive, high‑scoring style makes them a benchmark for other nations. Meanwhile, Wales, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland each demonstrated moments of brilliance and resilience, suggesting that the battle for the Six Nations crown will remain intense as the tournament progresses toward its climactic finale. Overall, the England‑Wales game exemplified the excitement of modern women’s rugby: fast‑paced, physically demanding, and rich in skill.
The Red Roses’ ten‑try display not only entertained fans but also sent a clear message to the rest of the field—England is determined to defend its title and will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.