England’s women’s rugby side, affectionately known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a total of ten tries in a 62‑24 triumph that cemented their perfect record in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with immediate fireworks as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the try‑line twice, showcasing the depth and flair of England’s attacking arsenal. The scoring barrage began early. Within the first six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati burst through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22‑meter area and grounding the ball for a try that was promptly converted by Helena Rowland.
Just moments later, another newcomer, Millie David, collected a long, looping pass from Holly Aitchison and raced the length of the field to touch down, adding to England’s rapid lead. Unfortunately for David, her night was cut short after she failed a head‑injury assessment and was forced to leave the field. Wales responded with determination, narrowing the gap when scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from the base of a ruck, sliced through a gap and scored, then converted her own try to bring the score to 12‑7.
However, England’s momentum proved unstoppable. Flanker Marlie Packer forced her way over the line, and shortly after, centre Meg Jones produced a dazzling solo run that earned the team a crucial bonus‑point try, with Rowland again successful with the conversion. Wales managed a further try from hooker Jones after a well‑executed line‑out, but the half‑time whistle blew with England holding a comfortable 29‑12 advantage. The second half saw England continue to dominate.
Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and grounded the ball, with Rowland adding the two 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. Seizing the opportunity, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, while replacement Jess Breach added the eighth try for England, converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison.
Further tries came from Packer and Maud Muir, each conversion again taken by Harrison, pushing the English tally to ten. Wales managed a consolation try from flanker Seren Lockwood near the end, securing a bonus point for the visitors, but the final whistle confirmed a 62‑24 scoreline. Marlie Packer was named player of the match.
In her interview with the BBC she 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 and I’m proud of the performance. Wearing this shirt is a massive honour, and playing in front of a packed Ashton Gate crowd was incredible.
Seeing stadiums sell out means everything to us – we want to give the fans a show they’ll enjoy. The camp environment is great, and that helps us produce this kind of product on the pitch.” Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, emphasizing the character shown by his side: “That’s what I asked for today – character. A year ago we might have flopped, but the girls fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point.
I can’t fault their character. We’re disappointed to concede 62 points, but England were clinical and deserved the win.” The broader tournament narrative shifted dramatically after the England‑Wales clash.
In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France’s women’s team defeated Ireland 26‑7, turning what had seemed a three‑horse race into a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France’s victory, built on disciplined execution and relentless pressure, brought them level with England at the top of the table, setting the stage for a climactic finish to the championship. Ireland’s campaign, however, ended in heartbreak. Despite a dominant first half against France, highlighted by the powerful carries of Aoife Wafer, the Irish side could only convert one of four early opportunities, thanks in part to disallowed tries for Brittany Hogan and Emily Lane and a spectacular try‑saving tackle by Anaïs Grando.
The missed chances proved costly, and the final score reflected a missed opportunity for a historic win. Meanwhile, in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Italy celebrated the 50th cap of pioneering lock Silvia Turani with a masterclass performance, dismantling Scotland 41‑14.
The Azzurre displayed razor‑sharp precision, scoring at will and leaving the Scottish side scrambling. Scotland’s campaign was hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, leaving them unable to match Italy’s pace and ambition. Overall, the day highlighted England’s continued dominance in women’s rugby, the rising competitiveness of France, and the challenges still faced by Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. As the tournament moves toward its final rounds, the Red Roses have set a high benchmark, and the race for the Six Nations crown promises to be a thrilling conclusion.