The 2026 Women's Six Nations is set to be a thrilling tournament, with England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales all vying for the title. As the teams gear up for the competition, let's take a closer look at each squad and their prospects for the upcoming matches.
England: The Undefeated Champions
England, led by coach John Mitchell and captain Meg Jones, are the defending Grand Slam champions and recent World Cup winners. With a strong squad, they are the clear favorites to win the tournament for an eighth consecutive year. However, the team has undergone some changes, with retirements and injuries affecting key players. Jones, a key player and influential figure in the squad, is among the most influential players. Alex Matthews, the Gloucester-Hartpury back-rower, is now a vice-captain and has been a part of two World Cup-winning campaigns. Despite the challenges, England's winning streak of 33 games and their status as the current world champions make them an unstoppable force.
France: The Underdogs
France, under the leadership of coach François Ratier and captain Manaé Feleu, are determined to overcome their fear of being second best. With other teams catching up, they could finish lower than second. France used to be a shoo-in for a grand slam decider with England, but Ireland will be a big challenge. While their improvement has stalled in recent years, Ratier's appointment as head coach in January brings a sense of uncertainty. Pauline Bourdon Sansus, a key player, brings France's performances to the next level with her speed, calm leadership, and great game management. Despite the challenges, France is expected to squeak past Ireland but will likely fall short of England in the final round.
Ireland: The Rising Stars
Ireland, coached by Scott Bemand and led by captain Erin King, have made significant progress in recent years. They pushed England for the first half-hour of their 2025 Six Nations fixture and finished third. At the World Cup, they were impressive and unfortunate not to make the semi-finals after a controversial game against France. With the return of King and fellow back-rowers Dorothy Wall and Aoife Wafer, Ireland will test England. However, the absence of Amee-Leigh Costigan and the injury to former co-captain Edel McMahon pose challenges. Ireland is expected to continue improving and challenge for third place.
Italy: The Underdogs
Italy, under the leadership of coach Fabio Roselli and captain Elisa Giordano, has had a bumpy start to their tenure. With a balanced squad of experience and new talent, including nine uncapped players, they are looking to start quickly and implement their own style. Michela Sillari, a key player, is on track to become the fourth Italian woman to reach 100 caps. Despite their potential, Italy is unlikely to replicate last year's finish and is expected to finish fifth.
Scotland: The New Era
Scotland, led by coach Sione Fukofuka and captain Rachel Malcolm, is starting a new era. However, they have been hit with bad news, including the injury to Evie Gallagher and the retirements of Lisa Cockburn, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock, and Jade Konkel. Emma Orr, a key player, is a barnstorming center who regularly gets over the gainline. Scotland is expected to finish fourth, rising one place from last year.
Wales: The Struggling Giants
Wales, coached by Sean Lynn and led by captain Kate Williams, had a difficult last season, finishing bottom of the Six Nations and exiting the Rugby World Cup in the pool stage. With key players injured, including Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe, Wales must strive to hit their targets without some key influences. However, the inclusion of Alisha Joyce, who gave birth to a son in November, brings a boost to the side. Wales is expected to finish sixth, with positive results not expected.
In conclusion, the 2026 Women's Six Nations promises to be an exciting tournament with England as the clear favorites. However, with other teams challenging and key players missing, the competition is far from over. As the matches unfold, we can expect thrilling moments, unexpected results, and a deeper understanding of the sport's growth and development.
