The Women’s Six Nations held their penultimate round this Easter weekend, with the UK appearing in home rival Scotland, and France travelling to Palma for a must-see match for Italy and Wales to host Ireland.
Everything happened on an action-packed weekend.
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World Sports title winners are almost predictable. The Women’s Six Nations crown ended in English hand for eight of the last nine years, with the final three run-to-up France appearing.
The same goes for this year. The Red Roses won 59-7 in Scotland on Saturday, ahead of France’s 34-21 victory over Italy. That means England has another bonus point and a much better point advantage, but with four wins, both sides will come in the final weekend.
Critics may say that the predictable nature of the ending shows what women’s rugby needs to find a more competitive balance, but there is still a chance that France could come to the top.
They were closest to 2023. They were moving away from lifting the title during a 38-33 defeat at Trian Ham. Last year it wasn’t that close – England scored 42-21 – but it would be hard to rule out the upset.
The big game will return to Twickenham next weekend. You never know, it could be the prelude to the same clash at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September. – Conor O’Haloran
Round 4 Score
Italy 21-34 France
Italy took a 21-12 lead at halftime, while France ran with three unanswered tries for a handsome victory. That means that France has lived through the aforementioned hopes of the Grand Slam.
England 59-7 Scotland
England’s attempt was shared in the first half, with the forwards earning rewards as Prop Kelsey Clifford and back row players Marley Packer and Zoe Aldcroft crossing the line.
Winger Claudia MacDonald then acquired her first, and Britain quickly fell out of sight and cruised for the victory of six more countries.
Wales 14-40 Ireland
Ireland recorded six attempts along the way to a major victory at the Rodney Parade in Newport. It was another day to forget for Wales.
“I feel it really hurts, the players are hurt, the staff are hurt, but this is the Irish side that beat New Zealand,” said Welsh head coach Sean Lynn. “We have to start turning pressure into a point.”
Best moment:
Abby Dow’s Rapid Run
Try out the Marley Packer landmarks#engvsco pic.twitter.com/kiwiocupnd
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) April 19, 2025
England did a light job in Scotland on Saturday. Mostly Abby Dow’s horrible fast movements were seen down the correct touchline. A short pass from halfline teammate Ellie Kildinne was everything she needed to make England a bank in another attempt.
Try packer landmarks
Packer has long been an English legend, winning 110 Test Caps and the 2023 World Player of the Year Award. On Saturday, she reached another landmark by winning her 50th attempt.
“She’s world class. There’s no better finisher in women’s matches!” 🔥
Amazing attempt by Abby Dow!#engvsco pic.twitter.com/snav25xgmu
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) April 19, 2025
Bobble, Bobble, Bobble… Tackle, try it
Wales may have been at the end of a truly one-sided defeat to Ireland, but they started the game with a big deal.
Next up round 5:
Italy vs Wales
when: Saturday, April 26th, 12:15pm BST
where: Sergio Lanfranci Stadium, Palma
Scotland vs Ireland
when: Saturday, April 26th at 2:30pm GMT
where: Dam Health Stadium, Edinburgh
England vs France
when: Sunday, April 26th, 4:45pm BST
where: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
– Women’s Six Nations Full Fixture List
– Men’s Six Nations Grade: England gets. Ireland needs a transition
– Prepare joint bids for Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates Rugby World Cup