England's women's national rugby team, the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try onslaught that secured a 62‑24 victory in the Women's Six Nations. The match showcased the depth and talent of the English side, as several players crossed the try line multiple times and a host of newcomers made immediate impacts.
From the opening whistle, England set the tone. Within the first six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence and powered her way into the 22, grounding the ball for a try that was promptly converted by fly‑half Helena Rowland.
The early score signalled England's intent to dominate the contest. Just moments later, another newcomer, Millie David, demonstrated her speed and composure.
After receiving a long pass from centre Holly Aitchison, David sprinted down the wing and touched down, extending the lead. Unfortunately for the 20‑year‑old, her promising day was cut short when she failed a head‑injury assessment and was forced to leave the field. Wales responded with resilience.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan seized a turnover at the base of a ruck, slipped through a gap in the English line and scored, then converted her own try to bring the score to 12‑7. The Welsh side showed flashes of quality and kept the contest alive despite the early deficit. England's momentum, however, proved unstoppable.
Flanker Marlie Packer forced her way over for a try, and shortly after, centre Meg Jones executed a brilliant solo run that earned her a second try of the match, securing the bonus‑point try for England. Rowland added the conversion, while Welsh hooker Olivia Jones also managed to score from a well‑executed line‑out, keeping the Welsh tally ticking over. At the break, England held a comfortable 29‑12 lead.
The first half featured a thrilling sequence in which Jones initiated an attack that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and centre Ellie Kildunne, culminating in another try for Jones and a further conversion by Rowland. The second half saw England maintain their clinical edge. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, with Rowland once again adding the two points. Shortly thereafter, Wales' full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, further hampering the Welsh comeback hopes.
Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the opportunity, sprinting to the corner and finishing a polished move for her own try. Replacement centre Jess Breach followed suit, scoring the eighth English try, which was converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison after Powell returned from the sin‑bin.
Packer added another try, and forward Maud Muir crossed the line as well, both conversions again handled by Harrison. Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but England's relentless attack continued unabated. The final whistle confirmed a 62‑24 win for England, granting them a third successive victory and preserving their perfect record in the tournament to date.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match, praising her teammates' character and the support of the home crowd. "Wales gave us a tough game and have improved massively," Packer told the BBC.
"Wearing this shirt is an honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out Ashton Gate crowd means everything to us." Wales head coach Sean Lynn reflected on the defeat, highlighting the team's fighting spirit. "I asked the girls for character today," he said.
"A year ago we might have flopped, but they showed resilience by scoring two tries and earning a bonus point. We were disappointed to concede 62 points, but England were clinical." Beyond the England‑Wales clash, the Six Nations narrative continued to evolve. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France secured a decisive 26‑7 win over Ireland, turning the competition into a direct showdown between the two leading nations.
France's efficiency and composure contrasted with Ireland's missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game that ultimately cost them a historic victory. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani's 50th cap with a masterclass performance, dismantling Scotland 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Italy's high‑tempo, precision‑driven rugby left the Scots struggling, especially after the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries that left the side depleted. Overall, the Women's Six Nations 2026 is shaping up as a tightly contested championship, with England and France locked at the summit and Wales, Ireland, and Italy all vying for crucial points as the tournament progresses toward its climactic finale.