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On March 23, the Guinness Women’s Six Nations gets underway, continuing a bumper spring of international rugby.
After the men’s championship comes to an end, it will be time for the women to take centre stage as England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales battle it out for the Six Nations crown.
Here’s five things you need to know ahead of what is set to be an incredible five weeks of action.
1. The Red Roses have won 17 grand slams and are going for their 18th
England have been the dominant force in Women’s Six Nations history. Since the first edition of the tournament in 1996, the Red Roses have won 19 titles, with 17 of these being Grand Slams (when a team wins all five of their games).
England’s closest competitors are France, who have won six titles and five Grand Slams. The two nations will take each other on in the final match on the final day in what could very well be a Grand Slam decider.
2. First full Six Nations tournament for Marlie Packer as captain
There’s been a major changing of the guard for England since last year’s tournament, when Marlie took over the role from former captain, Sarah Hunter, during the Championship following her retirement.
Hunter, who captained the Red Roses from 2015 to 2023, is England’s most capped player across both men’s and women’s rugby, having racked up 141 appearances for her country before hanging up her boots.
Saracens forward Marlie Packer has since taken up the mantle, and the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations will be her first full major tournament as captain.
3. England are the reigning Grand Slam champions
Along with being the most successful team in Women’s Six Nations history, England are also the reigning champions.
They swept away all before them last year in an incredible campaign that saw them win the Grand Slam.
After comfortable wins over Scotland, Italy, Wales and Ireland, the Red Roses beat France 38-33 in a thrilling winner-takes-all clash at Twickenham to claim the Six Nations crown.
Speaking of Twickenham…
4. England vs Ireland at Twickenham is going to be massive
England have two home games, against Wales in Bristol before they take on Ireland at the home of English rugby. The England women’s team only play at Twickenham once a year so it’s always a massive occasion when they walk out at HQ.
Tens of thousands are set to descend on Twickenham this year in the hopes of watching England take another step on their way to Grand Slam glory. For exclusive offers to see the Red Roses, head to Priority from O2.
And this year’s Women’s Six Nations has extra significance for England because…
5. The World Cup is in England next year
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is being held in England, as 16 nations battle it out to be crowned the best on the planet. It looks set to be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup ever, with the final being held at Twickenham on September 27, 2025. The aim is for this to be an 82,000 sellout, and the sort of finale that can inspire the next generation of players and fans in the women’s game.
