England's women's rugby side, the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular display 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 surge as newcomer Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence inside the 22‑meter line and grounded the ball for the first try, a conversion added by fly‑half Helena Rowland. Six minutes later, debutant Millie David, who had been fed a long pass by Holly Aitchison, sprinted to the try line, extending the lead.
Although David later failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field, her contribution helped set the tone for an England side that would never look back. Wales responded with determination. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a quick ball from a ruck, found a gap and crossed for a try, then slotted her own conversion to narrow the gap to 12‑7. The Welsh side showed flashes of resilience, with hooker Jones scoring from a well‑executed line‑out and flanker Lewis adding another try later in the game.
Yet England’s momentum proved unstoppable. Marlie Packer and Meg Jones each recorded a brace, while centre Jess Breach, wing Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and lock Maud Muir also crossed the line. England’s back row, led by Packer, kept the pressure relentless, and the forwards repeatedly generated clean ball from set‑pieces and mauls. After the first half, the Red Roses led 29‑12, a score that reflected a combination of clinical finishing and disciplined defence.
The second half saw England continue to dominate. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke off the back of a rolling maul to score, with Rowland converting again. Wales suffered a further setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their options on the counter‑attack. Seizing the opportunity, Moloney‑MacDonald finished a sweeping move in the corner, and replacement Zoe Harrison added several successful conversions, bringing England’s tally to ten tries.
The final minutes featured tries from Packer, Muir and a late consolation score by Wales flanker Lewis, but the bonus point was secured as the clock ran out. England’s victory marked their third consecutive win in the tournament, preserving a perfect record and reinforcing their position at the top of the Six Nations table. Marlie Packer was named player of the match.
In her post‑match interview with the BBC she praised her teammates, highlighted the significance of playing in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate, and spoke about the pride of wearing the England jersey. "It means everything to put on this shirt and to see the fans supporting us," she said. "The environment in the camp is fantastic, and that translates onto the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also addressed the result, commending his players for showing character by fighting back to earn a bonus point despite the heavy defeat.
He acknowledged the Red Roses' clinical execution and expressed optimism about Wales' development moving forward. The match was part of a broader narrative in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, where the competition has evolved from a three‑horse race into a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. In a parallel fixture at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France defeated Ireland 26‑7, a game that underscored the importance of efficiency and composure under pressure.
Ireland had dominated early, with Aoife Wafer leading powerful carries and creating multiple try‑scoring opportunities, but missed chances and a faltering kicking game allowed France to seize control. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani's 50th cap by delivering a masterclass against Scotland, winning 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Italy’s high‑tempo, precision‑driven approach left the Scottish side, hampered by the loss of captain Rachel Malcolm and several injuries, unable to match the Italians' ambition. Overall, the England‑Wales encounter highlighted the growing depth and professionalism in women’s rugby across Europe. England’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, combined with a strategic game plan that emphasized quick ball, strong forward play, and accurate goal‑kicking, set a benchmark for the rest of the tournament.
Wales, despite the loss, demonstrated moments of flair and resilience that suggest they will remain competitive in future fixtures. The Six Nations continues to captivate audiences, with stadiums filling and viewership rising, as the sport gains momentum and the players inspire a new generation of fans.