As the Women's Six Nations tournament approaches, excitement brews in the rugby community with Ireland gearing up to face France on March 22, 2025, in Belfast, while England prepares for their clash against Italy in York on March 23, 2025.
Head coach Scott Bemand recently expressed confidence in his Irish team’s potential to improve upon their previous performance in last year’s tournament. "We can land a few against France," he stated, aware of the challenge ahead. Last year, in their encounter with Les Bleus, Ireland suffered a 38-17 defeat, a match which Bemand reflected on during a press conference. "Last year we scored 17 points, and we hadn't scored a point for three years before that. Obviously, they [France] have had a relatively tough WXV1," he remarked, indicating a firm belief that underdog status could be flipped this time around.
Under Bemand's leadership, the team is preparing for a big game, marked by significant victories in their recent history. Their journey to the Rugby World Cup this summer came after a strong third-place finish in last year's Six Nations, complemented by impressive wins against Australia and even reigning World Cup champions New Zealand during the WXV1 tournament last September.
Bemand highlighted the importance of adaptability, stating, "We've made some advances to our game. We’d certainly like to fire a few more shots than we did last time." This adaptability will require a collective effort from the squad, especially in the latter stages of the match. He emphasized the strength found within their bench players, noting, "The strength of a squad you can usually see in what firepower you have on the bench. So we're going to need the 23 to perform at the weekend." He remains optimistic, adding, "I expect France to start in their usual manner, they'll throw everything at it, belt and braces, so we're expecting them to come out full of confidence, but we know we're a very hard team to beat and a better team now than we were a year ago."
Meanwhile, the England squad is also brimming with anticipation as they aim to secure a historic fourth straight Grand Slam. This year's campaign kicks off with notable returns, including Claudia MacDonald, who will start for the Red Roses against Italy after overcoming severe neck injuries that once kept her away from the pitch. "I had a neck injury before that developed over time, whereas this one I made a tackle and the next second I was on the floor, not able to move my arms and legs," MacDonald shared in a recent interview, discussing her harrowing experience and path to recovery.
MacDonald described the intense rehabilitation process that followed her injury, stating, "I was terrified to be anywhere near a rugby pitch, terrified to be anywhere near a rugby ball." However, after ten months of rehabilitation and psychological preparation, she made her return to competitive rugby last December, gaining a newfound appreciation for the game. "Since then I’ve just been throwing myself at club rugby," she added. Now fully engaged with the squad, she looks forward to her role in the match against Italy, which poses a unique challenge not just for her personally, but for the entire team.
The England team will also feature newcomers Lilli Ives Campion and Mia Venner, who will earn their full debuts on Sunday. While Ives Campion gained her first cap in a warm-up match last September, Venner, who debuted as a teenager in 2020, brings her own experience to the squad. Head coach John Mitchell made clear the importance of maintaining competitive selection processes within the team, emphasizing, "The girls have gone beyond that stage of being selfish... if you don't have competition and you don't have people chasing each other, how do you push and raise the bar?" This internal competition feeds into the Red Roses' resilience and overall performance.
As the tournament kicks off, anticipation builds for the opening matchups with the fixtures set for March 22 and 23. The games promise not just fierce competition but also stories of personal triumph and team spirit. As Bemand, MacDonald, and their respective teams prepare for the challenge ahead, the focus remains on growth, development, and aspiration. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Ireland can break the stronghold that England and France have established in the competition, or if the established powers will continue their dominance in the women’s rugby landscape.
With a packed schedule of fixtures ahead, all eyes will be on the clock as teams battle not only for victory but also for the pride of their nations. The Women’s Six Nations is not merely a contest of skill—it’s a showcase of determination, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in women's rugby.
