England's Women’s rugby team celebrated their third consecutive Grand Slam victory at the 2025 Six Nations, creating waves of excitement throughout the sport as they retained their title after defeating France 38-5 last year. This outcome only solidifies England's position as the top team, with nine World Cup titles and numerous accolades under their belt.
Entering 2025, the team, led by head coach John Mitchell, is positioned as the overwhelming favorite to win another title as they defend their championship starting March 23 against Italy at York Community Stadium. With 20 consecutive victories behind them, their momentum appears unstoppable. Fans and analysts alike are eyeing the upcoming World Cup—a showcase they will host from August to September this year—as their crowning moment.
France's fierce rivalry with England has delivered some of the tournament's most dramatic moments. The last time the Red Roses lost to France was during the 2018 campaign. Aiming to reclaim their position, France is expected to push England to the limit. Meanwhile, improved performances from Ireland and Scotland have stirred the competition, with Ireland recently pulling off a remarkable win over New Zealand at WXV1, positioning them as dark horses for any potential upset.
The 2025 Six Nations, running from March 22 to April 26, has already presented its share of challenges and controversies, particularly concerning Wales. Following their crushing 68-14 defeat against England, Wales has now set the unwanted record for the longest losing streak by any tier-one nation, failing to win 17 consecutive matches. The defeat also gifted them the 'wooden spoon' for the second year running, with questions arising about their survival within the elite competition.
Adding to the narrative is the mounting pressure on Welsh rugby as interim coach Matt Sherratt is left to pick up the pieces following the abrupt exit of famed coach Warren Gatland. With Wales struggling to secure victories, fresh discussions ensue about how other teams, like Georgia, should be provided playoff opportunities to earn their spot within the Six Nations setup.
Richard Cockerill, head coach of Georgia, has publicly voiced his discontent, asserting, "If you are finishing bottom of the Six Nations why do you just get free rein to turn up next year and play?" It’s his argument for change—one where Georgia would face Wales for the chance to compete next year, framing it as, "That would be the richest game in World Rugby—Georgia versus Wales. That's jeopardy, isn't it?" Cockerill’s ambition echoes the prevailing sentiment of fairness within rugby competitions.
The revelations of Cockerill’s challenge stem from Georgia's strengthened position, now ranking above Wales at 11th globally after securing their eighth consecutive Rugby Europe Championship title this year. Seen as threats rather than underdogs, they are rallying for consistent exposure to tier-one teams—”If we lose, well we re-group... I don't see this as unreasonable request,” Cockerill declared, adamant about taking the next steps toward leveling the playing field.
Wales' reality, juxtaposed against Georgia's ascension, weighs heavily on players and fans alike. The disappointment felt after another early exit has left Welsh rugby at a crossroads, with the financial ramifications of potential relegation looming, especially as the Welsh Rugby Union is grappling with substantial funding issues. With Cockerill’s proposals gaining traction, the idea of qualification playoffs may soon be more than just speculation.
Ensuring Welsh representation remains competitive is key for the sport’s growth as England, France, and Ireland continue to showcase their prowess. Sir Clive Woodward, former England coach, is among those who don’t hold back criticism, calling the RFU’s policy on overseas players “ridiculous.” Specifically, he passionately advocates for the inclusion of Jack Willis, the flanker currently playing for Toulouse, prior to his ban from international competitions due to RFU regulations. He states, "Willis is a Test Lion in waiting," emphasizing the importance of including foreign-based talent.
Woodward's insistence on top-performing players being actively selected could help reinvigorate the Lions’ squad, providing glimpses of hope amid the volatility seen this past season. With selections due on May 8 for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia, the pressure mounts to evaluate which players will secure their positions.
Reflecting on the Six Nations, the overall excitement and quality were marked by the record-breaking 108 tries scored throughout the tournament. France led the charge with 30 tries, showcasing their dominance even without key player Antoine Dupont, sidelined by injury.
This campaign brought forth the brilliance of teams as England topped the breakdown charts, achieving 25 steals, and left fans captivated by the consistently thrilling encounters. Super Saturday continued to be the tournament's final day of reckoning, maintaining its magical status, ensuring viewers were on the edges of their seats until the very end.
Despite the disappointments for some—as seen with Wales’s continuing strife—there remains much to take away from the excitement of the 2025 Six Nations. The question of structure, the inclusion of teams like Georgia, and reviewing eligibility policies will undoubtedly remain relevant as rugby continues to evolve and adapt.
