By Rachael Fay, Second Year, English and Film
England's Red Roses have become the first team ever to secure a Six Nations win consecutively after winning a World Cup, after beating France in a fantastic display of class rugby. Although only six players remain from their World Cup squad, the Red Roses have risen victorious, securing their eighth Six Nations title.
Since the Red Roses' successful home World Cup campaign last October, their excitement has bled into other countries, other teams. Six teams have come together this Six Nations, celebrating the thrill of the game as a unit, fans united for the love of one game. For the six teams of women, they are mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and have to balance study and career alongside this beautiful game. After decades of unfaltering dedication, love for the game and unbelievable resilience, women's rugby has finally broken through onto the international stage. This is the Women's Six Nations.
To no one's surprise, over 1.05 million people tuned in to watch the Red Roses' opening match in the 2026 Six Nations against Ireland on 11th April at a sold-out Allianz Stadium under blazing sunshine. This was Meg Jone's first match as England captain, and she was crowned player of the match in front of a phenomenal crowd. She has played every single minute of this W6N. As is the England way: this team found ways to dominate, as every top team must do. 8 years since France last beat England, and England makes it another W6N longer.
At the W6N (Women's Six Nations), there is a glittering array of trophies available:
- Championship Trophy and medals to the winning union
- Gram Slam winner (if one union defeats all other unions)
- Triple Crown awarded if one of the home unions (England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales) defeats the other three
- Players of the Match
- Player of the Championship
In the face of the biggest W6N ever, the girls stay competitive and driven even when all the lights are on them. Records are being broken in many matches this Six Nations, but attendance on the last day, with Wales vs Italy, was still underwhelming, with 4,000 people in the stands according to BBC's commentary, compared to 30,000 at Ireland vs Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Ireland. Whilst the Red Roses have done so much in stirring support through their success, this remains to happen for other teams like Wales, who have yet to generate the success to wield fan attention. However, there were more in attendance in the first game of this W6N than in the final of last year's. Progress is being made.
The Red Roses have a very dominant history and are the most successful side in the tournament's history. They have won: Six Nations 21/30 times, Grand Slam 19 times and the Triple Crown 26 times. However, this is a much-changed squad from the World Cup. As many players, such as Zoe Stratford, have started families since the final, others, such as Hannah Botterman, are off injured. Whilst their presence is missed, this has allowed other players to step up into new positions within the team. Lilli Campion, Millie David and Abi Burton, just to name a few, are finding their feet amongst giants of the game, whilst other established superstars such as Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach stand beside them. The Red Roses' future is very bright.
This W6N, we have been treated to an all-female referee team. This milestone on the pitch finally reflects the massive movement off the pitch. The BBC found there are now more than 24 million certified women's sport fans in the UK. It is fantastic to see women being prioritised in every avenue of the game, as well as in support for the girls. The Red Roses have sold out many of the venues with 90% of their tickets sold.
France lost the Grand Slam decider last year by one point. The only accolade that England missed last year was Player of the Championship, which went to Ireland's Aoife Wafer. This year, France and England have been battling to claim these titles.
England vs France
It is no secret how clinical and fiery France are at rugby. This is the team that won the men's Six Nations this year and has been a fierce contender in the women's game since the inaugural Women's Six Nations in 2002. Throughout this W6N (Women's Six Nations), they have been tied with England at the top of the scoresheet from match to match until the day of the final, where both teams were sat at the top with 20 points in this grand slam decider, England already with the Triple Crown under their belt. Everything has come down to this match. England has a crown to defend, France has history to make.
Against the backdrop of France with home advantage, the final match on Super Sunday could not be more anticipated. When he announced his side, England Head Coach John Mitchell stated,
“To face them [France] in Bordeaux - in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them - is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards"
Beyond the Red Roses
Life does not stop at the full-time whistle for these players. The reality for these players is that all of England's players have to think about life after rugby.
Abby Dow retired after the last World Cup and now works in mechanical engineering. May Campbell works in crypto payment alongside her rugby, and Amy Cokayne is a police officer in the Royal Air Force. Now, Zoe Aldcroft and Natasha 'Mo' Hunt have set up their own business post-World Cup - a coffee shop called 'MoZo'. We know that they are watching proudly as the Red Roses continue their journey to become the most successful side in the game.
These women never stop pushing - they are Red Roses.
Did you tune in for the W6N this year?
Featured Image: Instagram / Red Roses
