With a new captain and a host of changes, England faces Ireland in the tournament opener at Twickenham.
Category: Sports
As the 2026 Women’s Six Nations kicks off, England enters the tournament with high hopes of securing an eighth consecutive title. The Red Roses, fresh off their victory in the 2025 Rugby World Cup held on home soil, are set to take on Ireland this Saturday at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in what an exciting opener.
England’s squad has undergone several changes since their World Cup triumph. Notably, captain Zoe Stratford has announced her pregnancy and will miss the tournament, paving the way for the new captain, Meg Jones. Jones, who is eager to lead her team to another championship, emphasized the significance of their upcoming matches, stating, "We could be the first men or women’s team to win a Six Nations after a World Cup win, so that is definitely a challenge we are very aware of." This ambition is underscored by the team's current winning streak of 33 matches.
Head coach John Mitchell, who has recently extended his contract through to the next World Cup, is tasked with maintaining England’s dominance in the tournament. The team, which has won 16 Six Nations titles since the tournament's inception in 2002, remains the most successful side in the competition's history. France, with six titles, and Ireland, who have won it twice, are the only other nations to have claimed the trophy.
In the lead-up to the tournament, England's squad has seen the retirements of key players including Abby Dow and Emily Scarratt, as well as Tatyana Heard's foot injury. Scarratt has transitioned into a coaching role, now serving as England’s attack and backs coach. The current squad features seven uncapped players, highlighting a blend of experience and fresh talent. Among them, Alex Matthews, who is now vice-captain, brings invaluable experience from her participation in two World Cup-winning campaigns.
As England prepares for their match against Ireland, the latter team is also looking to make a statement. Ireland finished third in last year's Six Nations and has shown considerable progress in recent years. They nearly reached the semi-finals in the World Cup but were eliminated in a controversial quarter-final against France after leading 13-0 at one point. The return of Erin King as captain, following her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, adds to Ireland's competitive edge. King expressed her determination to lead the team effectively, saying, "I’m ready to hit the ground running this time around." This match will be played in front of a record crowd for the Women’s Six Nations, adding to the excitement surrounding the fixture.
France, who finished second last year, are also serious contenders in this year’s tournament. Under the leadership of new head coach François Ratier, who took over in January 2026, France aims to close the gap with England. Ratier acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "Our objective is to continue to expand the squad’s depth, fostering healthy and demanding competition at all positions." Key player Pauline Bourdon Sansus is expected to be a standout for France, known for her speed and game management skills.
Italy, Scotland, and Wales round out the competition. Italy's coach Fabio Roselli is looking to build on a mixed World Cup performance, where they were eliminated in the pool stage. The team features nine uncapped players, indicating a fresh approach. Scotland, under new coach Sione Fukofuka, is also in a rebuilding phase after retiring several key players post-World Cup. Captain Rachel Malcolm expressed the team's aspirations, stating, "A successful outcome for Scotland would be if we finished third; we have the quality to do so, but rising one place from last year is the most likely outcome." Meanwhile, Wales, coached by Sean Lynn, is aiming to avoid finishing at the bottom again after a disappointing last season.
The Women’s Six Nations 2026 will run from April 11 to May 17, with matches streamed live and free across the UK, Ireland, and France. In the US, fans can catch the action on Peacock. The tournament promises to showcase the growing talent and competitiveness of women’s rugby, with England looking to affirm their dominance and other nations eager to challenge their reign.
As the matches commence, the Red Roses as they attempt to defend their title against Ireland, with kickoff set for 2:25 p.m. GMT on April 11, 2026. The match will be officiated by Precious Pazani, with the broadcast available on BBC One in the UK and RTÉ in Ireland. Fans are eager to see if England can maintain their remarkable form and continue their legacy in women's rugby.