The Women’s Six Nations tournament is set to showcase England’s continued dominance, but rising contenders Ireland and France could pose significant challenges. England, the reigning champions, have held an iron grip on the competition since the introduction of professional contracts in 2019. Their upcoming match against Italy could mark their 30th consecutive Six Nations victory, reinforcing their status as the tournament’s frontrunners.
As the Rugby World Cup looms, some argue that a loss could be beneficial for England. Despite winning 51 of their past 52 games, their only defeat came in the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand. Historical examples suggest that setbacks can be valuable; before securing their 2014 World Cup triumph, England suffered losses to New Zealand and France. These experiences helped them develop resilience and problem-solving strategies, which proved crucial in the final against Canada.
However, not everyone believes losing is necessary for growth. England’s versatile back Claudia MacDonald emphasizes that the team faces constant challenges in training and during matches. She argues that learning to respond to high-pressure situations, such as conceding the first try or playing with a numerical disadvantage, is just as valuable as experiencing an outright defeat.
If England is to falter in this tournament, their most likely challengers are Ireland and France. The latter has traditionally been England’s toughest opponent in the Six Nations, often determining the grand slam winner. However, France’s form has been inconsistent, making Ireland a formidable challenger. Despite a heavy 88-10 loss to England last year, Ireland has improved significantly, finishing third in the 2024 Six Nations and securing a shocking victory over world champions New Zealand at WXV 1.
Ireland’s head coach, Scott Bemand, acknowledges that expectations are higher this year. The team can no longer fly under the radar, and their performances will be closely watched as they aim to establish themselves as true contenders ahead of the World Cup.
Scotland remains a team on the fringes, with steady progress under Bryan Easson, the longest-serving coach in the Women’s Six Nations. Meanwhile, Italy and Wales hope for fresh energy under new leadership. Italy has appointed Fabio Roselli, while Wales has brought in Sean Lynn, formerly of Gloucester-Hartpury. Their opening match against Scotland will be a key test for the new coaching setups.
The tournament also introduces new laws mirroring those in the men’s competition, including 20-minute red cards and stricter time limits for kicks, scrums, and lineouts. Additionally, attendance records are expected to be shattered, particularly when England faces France in the final fixture at Twickenham, potentially drawing the largest crowd in the tournament’s history.
This year’s Six Nations feels like a pivotal moment for women’s rugby, setting the stage for a groundbreaking World Cup later in the year. As competition intensifies and new challengers rise, the landscape of the sport continues to evolve, promising an exciting and unpredictable tournament ahead.
