The Women’s Six Nations Championship is back for 2026, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch as rugby fans across Europe gear up for another round of fierce rivalries and high-stakes clashes. With the opening matches set for Saturday, April 11, the stage is set for drama, redemption, and perhaps a few surprises. Can France finally topple their English rivals after last year’s heartbreak? Or will the Red Roses, still basking in the glory of their 2025 World Cup triumph, tighten their grip on European women’s rugby?
Let’s break down everything you need to know before the first whistle blows.
Fixture List: Dates, Venues, and Broadcasts
Round One kicks off on April 11, 2026, with France hosting Italy in Grenoble at 12:25 p.m., followed by England welcoming Ireland to London at 2:45 p.m., and Wales squaring off against Scotland in Cardiff at 4:40 p.m. The action continues through five rounds, culminating in a potentially decisive France vs. England showdown in Bordeaux on May 17. All matches will be broadcast across the BBC in the UK, S4C in Wales, RTÉ and Virgin in Ireland, Sky in Italy, and France TV in France. For those on the go, BBC Radio 5Live will provide live radio commentary.
Round Two, set for April 18, sees Scotland host England in Edinburgh at 1:30 p.m., Wales face France in Cardiff at 3:35 p.m., and Ireland take on Italy in Galway at 5:40 p.m. The following rounds promise no let-up in intensity, with England vs. Wales in Bristol and France vs. Ireland in Clermont-Ferrand among the highlights.
By Round Four on May 9, the tournament will be heating up, with Italy vs. England in Parma and Scotland vs. France in Edinburgh. The final round on May 17 features Wales vs. Italy in Cardiff, Ireland vs. Scotland in Dublin, and the much-anticipated France vs. England clash in Bordeaux—potentially a title decider if recent history is any guide.
Last Year’s Drama: England’s Narrow Triumph
The 2025 Women’s Six Nations offered no shortage of drama. England and France once again set the pace, dominating their opponents and setting up a winner-takes-all finale at Twickenham. In a match that will be talked about for years, the Red Roses edged out France 43-42 to claim the title and the coveted Grand Slam. It was a fitting prelude to England’s emphatic World Cup victory later that year, cementing their status as the team to beat.
Elsewhere, Ireland finished third, edging out Scotland and Italy thanks to an extra bonus point, with all three teams securing two wins apiece. Ireland’s Aoife Wafer was recognized for her outstanding performances, earning the player of the tournament accolade. French fullback Morgane Bourgeois was unstoppable with the boot, topping the points-scoring chart with 73 points, while England’s Abby Dow, who has since retired from international duty, finished as top try scorer with six tries.
Squad Announcements: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
The 2026 squads are packed with talent, fresh faces, and a few notable absentees. England’s lineup boasts a formidable mix of experience and youth, with the likes of Christiana Balogun, Sarah Bern, and Marlie Packer anchoring the forwards. In the backs, Holly Aitchison and Jess Breach return, but all eyes are on Emma Sing—the Gloucester Hartpury full-back who has been the top points scorer in Premiership Women’s Rugby for the past two seasons. Sing helped her club to three consecutive titles and, despite losing her central contract before the World Cup year, forced her way back into the Red Roses squad through sheer determination and a focus on sports psychology.
“The prospect of watching the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup from the sidelines was motivation for me,” Sing revealed, describing how she fought her way back into contention. Her perseverance paid off, with Sing playing a key role as England reclaimed the World Cup. Now, with her confidence restored, she’s targeting even more starts for the national team.
France’s squad is equally impressive, featuring powerful forwards like Rose Bernadou and Madoussou Fall Raclot, and dynamic backs including Carla Arbez and the points-machine Morgane Bourgeois. After last year’s agonizing defeat, Les Bleues are desperate to finally get the better of their English rivals and lift the trophy on home soil. Coach and players alike have spoken of their determination to “turn heartbreak into history” this time around.
Ireland’s squad is bolstered by the presence of Aoife Wafer, last year’s player of the tournament, alongside stalwarts like Linda Djougang and Béibhinn Parsons. The Irish are hoping to build on their third-place finish and challenge the top two, while Scotland, Wales, and Italy have all announced squads blending experience with emerging talent. Each team is looking to upset the established order and make a statement in 2026.
For Wales, the likes of Gwenllian Pyrs and Kayleigh Powell will be crucial, while Italy will look to Gaia Dosi and Francesca Sgorbini to lead from the front. Scotland’s hopes rest on the shoulders of captain Rachel Malcolm and exciting backs like Chloe Rollie and Emma Orr.
Players to Watch: Experience and X-Factor
With Abby Dow’s retirement, England will look to new faces to provide the spark on the wings, while Emma Sing’s remarkable journey back to the squad is a testament to resilience. For France, Morgane Bourgeois remains a constant threat, her 73 points last year underlining her ability to change a game in an instant. Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, fresh off her player of the tournament award, is expected to be a key influence once again.
These stars are joined by a host of up-and-comers eager to make their mark. The blend of established internationals and hungry newcomers sets the stage for a tournament that could see new heroes emerge and old rivalries reignited.
The Road Ahead: Can Anyone Stop the Red Roses?
With the memory of their World Cup victory still fresh and a squad brimming with talent, England enter the 2026 Women’s Six Nations as favorites. But France, driven by last year’s narrow defeat and a passionate home crowd, will be determined to rewrite the script. Ireland, buoyed by recent progress, are dark horses, while Wales, Italy, and Scotland will fight tooth and nail for every point.
As the opening weekend approaches, rugby fans are left asking: can anyone halt the Red Roses’ march, or will a new contender rise to challenge their dominance? One thing’s for sure—this year’s Women’s Six Nations promises to deliver thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments.
The countdown is on, and the rugby world is watching. Let the games begin!