Rugby union was the second most-watched women's sport in 2025 after England's home Rugby World Cup win, so with momentum at an all-time high, will this year's Six Nations be the biggest yet?

Celtic rivalries are renewed once more as Wales host Scotland in their Women's Six Nations opener at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Four England players will miss the Six Nations as they are pregnant. What do they have in store when they return?By No Helmets RequiredWhen England begin their defence of the Women’s Six Nations against Ireland on Saturday at Twickenham they will be without Zoe Stratford, Lark Atkin-Davies and Rosie Galligan as they prepare to become mothers for the first time. The England rugby league player Kelsey Gentles – who has returned to her sport as a different player and person – says the World Cup winners should embrace the imminent metamorphosis.Gentles left the Women’s Super League as a sparkling outside back in 2023; when she returned the following year, having given birth to her daughter Maia, she was a prop who blasted holes in defensive lines. She enjoyed a glorious comeback, scoring the winning try as York Valkyrie clinched the Grand Final, but there were challenges along the way. Continue reading...

Chicago and Pittsburgh decline to enter runningSome cities opt to focus on men’s Rugby World CupBid approval delayed by reported government holdupsA number of American cities named in the running to host games at the 2031 Women’s World Cup are considering withdrawing over concerns related to Fifa’s handling of this summer’s World Cup.The Guardian has learned that several cities are exploring whether to focus solely on winning the right to host matches at the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup. The US will also stage the women’s rugby tournament two years later. Continue reading...

Despite a raft of absences, world champions have such depth they will begin the 2026 tournament as firm favouritesIf there isn’t a conspiracy theory out there about England having a factory that churns out world-class players then there should be. The Red Roses squad will be without at least eight Rugby World Cup winners because of injury, pregnancies and retirements for the Women’s Six Nations but they are still overwhelming favourites for a grand slam.For others, a squad so depleted would throw their campaign into chaos, but not for England. Abby Dow has retired? The brilliant Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can be brought in. The captain, Zoe Stratford, is pregnant? World Rugby player of the year nominee Meg Jones steps up to take the armband. The seemingly endless conveyor belt of generational stars at England’s disposal is why they have been able to dominate the world stage for the past few years. That and bringing in full-time contracts before anyone else. Continue reading...

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Hannah Botterman ruled out of opener by ankle blowEllie Kildunne to start as full-back at home to IrelandEngland are in danger of losing a ninth World Cup winner for the Women’s Six Nations after the prop Hannah Botterman was ruled out of the team’s opener against Ireland with an ankle injury amid doubts over whether she will play any part in the tournament.The Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, said they will have confirmation on Botterman’s return timeline next week; Kelsey Clifford has been selected to start on the loosehead at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. England are already contending with injuries, two retirements, and four pregnancies; Rosie Galligan, whose partner is her England teammate Marlie Packer, the latest to announce she is expecting earlier this week. Continue reading...

England utility back Helena Rowland will start at inside centre in a much-changed team for their Women's Six Nations opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Glasgow Warriors back row Emily Coubrough will make her Scotland debut in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Erin King will make her first international appearance in a year as she captains Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations opener in England.

Sean Lynn hands Test debuts to Seren Singleton and Jorja Aiono for Wales' first game of the Women's Six Nations against Scotland.

Scotland want the pressure of being considered a force as the Women's Six Nations approaches, writes Andy Burke.

World champions England will be favourites to repeat last year’s grand slam but France and Ireland will eye an upsetCoach John Mitchell Captain Meg Jones Last year’s finish Grand slam champions Continue reading...

Ireland scrum coach Denis Fogarty says his side must "not let the games go past us" during the Six Nations.