England’s women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, delivered a masterclass at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try onslaught that secured a 62‑24 victory in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with a burst of energy from the English backline, as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the try line twice, cementing their status as the day’s standout performers.
From the first whistle, England set the tone. Within six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22‑metre line and grounding the ball for a try that was promptly converted by fly‑half Helena Rowland. The early score signalled England’s intent to dominate every facet of the game – possession, territory, and finishing. Just moments later, another newcomer, Millie David, demonstrated why she earned her place in the squad.
After receiving a perfectly timed long pass from scrum‑half Holly Aitchison, David accelerated past a tired Welsh defence to touch down. Her celebration was cut short, however, when a concussion assessment forced her off the field, reminding everyone of the sport’s rigorous safety protocols.
Wales, refusing to be mere spectators, responded quickly. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a loose ball at the base of a ruck, darted through a gap and scored, then slotted her own conversion to bring the score to 12‑7. The Welsh side showed flashes of resilience, with hooker Jones later adding a try from a well‑executed line‑out.
England’s relentless pressure continued. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, followed by centre Meg Jones, who displayed a dazzling solo run that earned the team a crucial bonus‑point try. Rowland’s conversion from the touchline was flawless, extending the lead to 29‑12 at the break.
The half‑time scoreboard reflected England’s clinical execution and Wales’ inability to contain the multifaceted English attack. The second half saw England maintain momentum. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and grounded the ball, with Rowland adding the conversion. A pivotal moment arrived when Wales full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, temporarily reducing the visitors to fourteen players and further tilting the balance in England’s favour.
Substitutes made an immediate impact. Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, who had already contributed earlier, finished a sweeping move in the corner, while replacement centre Jess Breach added the eighth try, both conversions taken by Zoe Harrison. The depth of England’s bench proved decisive, as fresh legs continued to exploit gaps in the Welsh line.
Marlie Packer added another try, and newcomer Maud Muir, showcasing her power in the forward pack, crossed the line as well. Both scores were converted by Harrison, pushing England’s tally to ten tries. Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but the final whistle confirmed a 62‑24 scoreline, granting England a perfect record in the tournament so far.
After the match, Packer was named player of the match. In her interview with the BBC she praised her teammates, highlighted the significance of playing in a sold‑out stadium, and reflected on the pride of wearing the Red Roses jersey.
"It means everything to step onto the pitch in front of a crowd like this," she said. "The atmosphere, the support, it pushes us to deliver our best rugby." Wales head coach Sean Lynn, also speaking to the BBC, commended his squad’s character despite the heavy defeat. "A year ago we might have collapsed, but today the girls showed real fight, scoring two tries and earning a bonus point," he noted. He acknowledged the defensive lapses that allowed 62 points, yet recognized the quality of the English side.
The broader Six Nations landscape shifted dramatically later in the week. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a match that turned the tournament into a two‑horse race.
France’s 26‑7 triumph demonstrated the efficiency and composure required at the highest level of test rugby. Ireland, despite moments of brilliance and a period of sustained pressure led by powerhouse Aoife Wafer, were undone by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game. The result leveled France with England atop the table, setting up a climactic showdown for the championship. Further down the schedule, Italy celebrated veteran prop Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with a clinical 41‑14 demolition of Scotland at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
The Azzurre executed a high‑tempo, precision‑driven game plan, scoring repeatedly through swift ball movement and disciplined defence. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy’s intensity, highlighting the growing gap between the emerging Italian side and their traditional rivals. Overall, the England‑Wales encounter underscored the Red Roses’ depth, athleticism, and strategic acumen.
With a perfect record and a formidable point differential, England appears poised to contend for the Six Nations crown, while Wales must regroup and address defensive frailties if they hope to remain competitive in the remaining fixtures. The tournament continues to deliver high‑octane rugby, with each nation seeking to cement its place among Europe’s elite women’s rugby powers.