Women's Six Nations: England will 'brush up' after beating Ireland in front of record crowd, Scotland edge Wales in Cardiff thriller

React to this story

The opening day of the 2026 Women's Six Nations was a historic one as a tournament-record crowd of 77,120 packed into Twickenham to watch England defeat Ireland. Captain Meg Jones and head coach John Mitchell admitted the Red Roses' first match since winning the World Cup in September had room for improvement. Elsewhere, Scotland earned a tight win over Wales in Cardiff, and France routed Italy.

Highlights: Trailfinders go fourth in PWR with impressive Loughborough victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

World champions England began their quest for an eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations crown by beating Ireland 33-12 in front of a record crowd of 77,120 at Twickenham.

In their first match since winning the 2025 Rugby World Cup at the same venue in September, the Red Roses cruised to their 34th Test win in a row to make a statement start.

The attendance at the Allianz Stadium did not quite match the all-time record of 81,885 that packed out the national stadium for the World Cup final seven months earlier, but it blew the previous Women’s Six Nations attendance record of 58,498 - from England v France three years ago - out of the water.

Guinness Women's Six Nations

England seal Grand Slam decider against France to claim eighth consecutive title

17/05/2026 at 20:14

"I think there was always going to be nerves going into a big campaign off the back of an amazing World Cup," said newly-appointed England captain Meg Jones, who was named player of the match.

"We wanted to play in front of big crowds, and that is what we have today. We found our way, and that's what a winning team does. I'm sure we will brush up, but I'm really proud of the girls.

"There is huge growth potential [with] players stepping up into leadership roles. They will have more of a voice, stepping into those positions, and they will start owning the role."

'I would love to play with her' - Kildunne on Westcombe-Evans 'stepping up' after Dow retirement

Video credit: TNT Sports

Hooker Amy Cokayne’s try got England up and running, before two scores by prop Sarah Bern gave the Red Roses a commanding 21-0 lead at the break.

Jess Breach sealed the bonus point in the second half before Ireland hit back as Anna McGann and Erin King crossed the whitewash either side of a first try of the tournament for England star Ellie Kildunne, who had earlier uncharacteristically fumbled an attempted grounding to deny herself an easy try.

Head coach John Mitchell was not overly impressed by the performance as his side began their bid for a fifth Grand Slam in a row with a new-look side featuring eight changes from the team that started the World Cup final.

"It was a real arm-wrestle, and a real clunky stop-start match,” Mitchell told BBC Sport.

"We had to deal with unexpected injuries, and we have lost another international lock, and possibly a great nine as well. When we stuck to the plan, we were very good. We were persistent and patient.

Fukofuka enjoys debut win as Scotland coach

Later on Saturday, Scotland edged Wales 24-19 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff after a breathless contest that went down to the wire.

It was a third win in a row for the Scots in the fixture, and got new head coach Sione Fukofuka’s reign off to the perfect start.

Wales went in at half-time with a 12-10 lead after Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu crossed, with Chloe Rollie scoring for the visitors.

Shona Campbell and Lucia Scott tries swung the momentum in Scotland’s favour after the break, only for Kate Williams to cross and set up a grandstand finish.

The Scots had to withstand pressure late on, but survived to inflict a 10th loss in 11 Test matches on the Welsh.

Highlights: Gloucester-Hartpury prevail in high-scoring PWR clash with Loughborough

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It was a little bit tight at the end, we got our defensive play in finally," said Scotland fly-half Helen Nelson.

"We talked about the back field, and going after those, and tightening things up. Really sad to lose Emma [Orr, to injury] at the end, but the bench came on and carried us over.

"We're just focusing on us. We've got a lot of experienced players, and young players, and really connect."

In the opening match of the tournament, a France side featuring six debutants thrashed Italy 40-7 after a strong second half where they scored five of their six tries to claim the bonus point.

Next weekend’s action sees Scotland host England at Murrayfield before Wales host France and Ireland take on Italy.

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and HBO Ma.

Guinness Women's Six Nations

Wales lose 10th straight Women's Six Nations game, pick up third consecutive wooden spoon

17/05/2026 at 15:09

Guinness Women's Six Nations

England stay perfect with 10-try romp over Wales in Women's Six Nations

25/04/2026 at 22:20