England enter the 2026 Women’s Six Nations as the team to beat, riding a 33-game winning streak and fresh off a World Cup victory in September. Their campaign kicks off against Ireland on Saturday, marking their first match since being crowned world champions. However, the Red Roses face significant changes: retirements of Abby Dow and Emily Scarratt, Tatyana Heard’s foot injury, and pregnancies for Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies have depleted the ranks. Scarratt now serves as attack and backs coach, while seven of the 38-player squad are uncapped.
Despite these absences, England remain firm favorites. New captain Meg Jones has set a bold target: “We could be the first men or women’s team to win a Six Nations after a World Cup win so that is definitely a challenge we are very aware of.” Jones is a key influence, but vice-captain Alex Matthews, a Gloucester-Hartpury back-rower with two World Cup wins, adds leadership. Prediction: England are expected to sweep all matches and secure an eighth consecutive title, continuing their unstoppable run.
France, last year’s runners-up, grapple with the perennial shadow of England. Coach François Ratier, who took over in January, aims to deepen squad depth: “Our objective is to continue expanding the squad’s depth, fostering healthy and demanding competition at all positions.” While France lost by a point at Twickenham last year, their progress has stalled, and Ireland now pose a major threat. Key player Pauline Bourdon Sansus elevates performances with speed, calm leadership, and game management at scrum-half. Prediction: France will edge past Ireland but fall to England in the final round, finishing 2nd.
Ireland, third last year, have surged in recent seasons. They pushed England for 30 minutes in the 2025 Six Nations and impressed at the World Cup, narrowly missing the semi-finals after letting a 13-0 lead slip to lose 18-13 against France. Captain Erin King returns from injury, with back-rowers Dorothy Wall and Aoife Wafer also back. However, wing Amee-Leigh Costigan is pregnant with twins, and former co-captain Edel McMahon is injured. Ireland face England in the opener before a record crowd. Key player King, now captain, was a standout before her ACL injury cost her the World Cup. Prediction: Ireland continue to strengthen, challenging France and England, but power issues may limit them to 3rd.
Italy, fourth last year, seek stability under coach Fabio Roselli, appointed in 2025. His side beat Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations and pushed France close in a 34-21 defeat, but a disappointing World Cup saw them exit in the pool stage after losing to South Africa. Roselli blends experience with nine uncapped players, emphasizing a fast start and distinct style. Key player Michela Sillari, on 94 caps, aims to become the fourth Italian woman to reach 100. Prediction: Improvement is likely, but replicating last year’s finish is improbable; 5th is expected.
Scotland, fifth last year, embark on a new era under coach Sione Fukofuka. Injuries and retirements hit hard: No 8 Evie Gallagher is out, while Lisa Cockburn, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock, and Jade Konkel have retired post-World Cup quarter-finals. Captain Rachel Malcolm notes Konkel’s absence: “She is an incredible teammate… To not have her and her quirkiness is something we all miss already.” Key player Emma Orr, a Bristol Bears centre, regularly breaches the gainline and has 11 turnovers this PWR season. Prediction: A successful outcome would be third place, but rising one spot to 4th is more realistic.
Wales, bottom last year, aim for consistency after a tough debut season for coach Sean Lynn. They finished sixth in the Six Nations and exited the World Cup in the pool stage with losses to Canada, Fiji, and Scotland. Lynn defines success: “We will be looking at our consistency… Then our attack, I want us to be brave and exciting.” Injuries to Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe hurt, but Alisha Joyce returns after giving birth in November. Key player Lleucu George, a Gloucester-Hartpury playmaker, is crucial under pressure. Prediction: Positive results are unlikely, with another wooden spoon probable, but improved performances would mark success.
