Wafer joined an all start cast on the shortlist for this year’s prestigious award, with competition from England Captain, Meg Jones, France scrum half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, and Italy back-row Francesca Sgorbini, but it was Wafer who earned 40% of the 15,000 fan votes to claim her second successive accolade.

The shortlist for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of The Championship went to a fan vote to decide its winner, but the nominees earned their place on the list through their chart-topping statistics. The 23-year-old back-row was a standout player in an Ireland team that finished third in this year’s tournament, with the second highest number of carries (78) in the Championship, the joint top ranked player for dominant tackles (8), and post contact meters (129), and crossing the try line five times to finish joint third for tries scored throughout the five rounds.

Wafer gave a starring performance for Ireland’s final fixture, earning herself Player of The Match to go with her sides historic win in front of a record crowd of 31,294 fans, and the biggest crowd ever for a standalone women’s rugby fixture at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin.

Commenting on her second Player of the Championship award, Aoife Wafer, said: “I don’t even know what to say,” on receiving the award. “Last year I was the first ever Irish woman and the youngest to do it, and to back it up is pretty special. The girls back home will agree with me that these sort of things don’t happen without them. I’m just grateful that I’m part of an incredible team, and I get to come back to Quins and be a part of an incredible team here too.”

Paddy Carberry, Global Sports Marketing Manager for Guinness, added: “Aoife’s performances throughout this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations have been nothing short of exceptional. Her relentless work rate and leadership on the pitch embody the very spirit of the Championship — combining physical dominance with relentless drive and clarity of purpose.

To be recognised by fans for a second consecutive year speaks volumes, not only about her consistency at the highest level, but also the connection she has built with supporters of the game. Aoife continues to raise the standard and inspire, and we’re incredibly proud at Guinness to see her legacy grow as a back-to-back Player of the Championship.”

Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU added: “Aoife is a truly world class player and her achievement in being named Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship for a second consecutive year is truly exceptional and a testament to her consistency, work rate and impact at the highest level. To stand out in such a competitive field of world-class players speaks volumes about her quality and mindset.

Everyone in Irish rugby is incredibly proud of Aoife, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow, excel and make her mark in green in the years ahead.”

With thanks to Six Nations Rugby

The trio all missed the victory in Italy last time out and line up at second row, openside flanker and Number 8 respectively.

In total, head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes to his side that started the Round 4 match at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald return to the wings, resulting in Ellie Kildunne switching back to full-back, while Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern start at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively.

Captain Megan Jones has played every available minute so far in the tournament and has partnered Helena Rowland in the centre each match. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison combine in the half-back positions for a third away match in a row.

Versatile forward Abi Burton is named at blindside flanker behind ever-present hooker Amy Cokayne and lock Delaney Burns.

Kelsey Clifford misses out due to a leg injury.

“France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,” Mitchell said.

“To face them in Bordeaux – in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them – is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards. With that support comes expectation and pressure, and Francois has already laid down the challenge to his players.

“This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship.

“We understand the significance of the performance ahead and what it would mean to us, but our focus remains firmly on trusting our game, staying present, being courageous, creating stronger connections and continuing to act selflessly for one another, throughout this tournament.”

Red Roses team to play France

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 61 caps)

14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 56 caps)

13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 37 caps) – captain

12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 50 caps)

11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)

10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 69 caps)

9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 43 caps)

1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 27 caps)

2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 93 caps)

3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 83 caps)

4 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)

5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)

6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 8 caps)

7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)

8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)

Replacements

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 23 caps)

17 Liz Crake (Saracens, 2 caps)

18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 52 caps)

19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)

20 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 115 caps)

21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 4 caps)

22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)

23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)

With thanks to the RFU

• The schedule of fixtures and kick off times confirmed for the 2027 Women’s Championship
• Fixtures kick off on Saturday 10th April and run until Saturday 15th May
• The 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations will build on the huge growth in audiences, attendances and engagement that has made the 2026 Championship record breaking

The fixtures and kick off times for the 26th edition of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations have been confirmed, with all five rounds of the 2027 Championship set to take place across five Saturdays next year.

Next year’s tournament will begin on Saturday 10th April with Italy at home and hosting European neighbours France, with fixtures unfolding over five Saturdays and culminating in a decisive round five on Saturday 15th May, when England host France to close out the Championship.

The best international women’s rugby teams in the northern hemisphere will compete to win the next edition of the Women’s Championship and claim the title of a tournament that has established itself as the linchpin within the global women’s rugby calendar.

Building on the momentum generated by the record-breaking 2026 Championship, the 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations is set to deliver another unpredictable, entertaining and dramatic tournament for players, fans, broadcasters and partners alike.

As the 2026 Championship reaches its conclusion, it has already broken multiple records, across broadcast audiences, stadium attendances, engagement across social and digital channels, and highlighted the significance of the tournament as a primary momentum driver for the sport through its ability to give the players, teams and sport itself a global platform to shine. Leading into Round Five this year, 12.85 million fans have tuned in across core markets, 209,692 fans have packed out venues to watch the stars of the sport, and Women’s Six Nations channels have seen a 109% increase in engagement and 143% increase in views – representing 1.9 million engagements and 70 million views respectively – setting new benchmarks that the 2027 Championship will look to build on.

The decision to stage every round of fixtures in next year’s tournament on a Saturday is designed to create a consistent fan focussed experience each weekend, responding to the increasing interest and engagement with the women’s game by offering consecutive fixtures to enjoy, driving maximum visibility by taking over an entire day each weekend, to allow the teams to shine in front of fans.

The 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations benefits from comprehensive coverage across its key markets, including extensive Free-To-Air access for fans in the UK thanks to the exclusive partnership with BBC and with S4C in Wales, with RTÉ and Virgin Media Television sharing coverage in Ireland and the longstanding support from France Télévisions giving fans in France coverage from every fixture.

With thanks to Six Nations Rugby

Haineala Lutui will earn a first start for the Red Roses in the second row with Abi Burton lining up at Number 8.

Christiana Balogun comes on to the bench and is in line for her maiden cap. Balogun, who has been a PWR stalwart and important player for Bristol Bears, earns a first opportunity in an England shirt just over three years after receiving the all-clear from Burkitt lymphoma.

Red Roses team to play Italy

15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 36 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 49 caps)
11 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 60 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 68 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 42 caps)
1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 24 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 92 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps)
4 Haineala  Lutui  (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
6 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 114 caps)
8 Abi Burton  (Trailfinders Women, 7 caps)

Replacements

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 22 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 82 caps)
19 Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
20 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
23 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)

With thanks to the RFU

The inaugural tournament concludes this Sunday (15:00 BST) at Bedford Blues’ Goldington Road with the game streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube channel.

Carmela Morrall of Loughborough Lightning is reintegrated into the starting XV for her 10th U21 cap and co-captain’s Lewis’ team alongside Sophie McQueen.

Grace Keel and Zoë Dare are added to the pack in the remaining alterations to the Matchday 2 squad that were narrowly defeated 40-41 by Ireland in Coventry.

Recent England U18 captain Honey Kerslake could earn her second U21 cap off the replacements bench.

LJ Lewis said: “Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, we were proud of the performance that the players put in against Ireland. Our players have responded by levelling up their preparation this week with a continued focus on our foundations and a clear aim on how we show up with courage this week.

“We have had the privilege to strengthen our bond again for another week as a group. I am very proud in how they have taken another step forward as individuals and a squad with a real focus on our set piece, collisions in defence, with a desire to play at speed by moving the ball.

“We know France will test us with their direct attack, but we are battle ready and there’s nothing more motivating than being on home soil. I am looking forward to seeing this talented group finish the tournament with another step up in performance.”

Tickets to England’s Six Nations Women’s U21 Series home fixture against France are available now.

England U21 Women’s team to face France (includes club, community club and previous U21 caps)

15 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, 2 caps)
14 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 3 caps) *
13 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 10 caps)
12 Carmela Morrall (cc) (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 9 caps)
11 Jemma-Jo Linkins (Saracens, Ashford RFC, 1 cap) *
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 9 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 9 caps)
1 Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 6 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, 2 caps)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, 2 caps)
4 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, 2 caps)
5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 4 caps)
6 Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, 1 cap) *
7 Kaya Acton (Loughborough Lightning, Hull Ionians RFC, 1 cap)
8 Sophie McQueen (cc) (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 5 caps)

Replacements

16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 4 caps)
17 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 12 caps)
18 Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 3 caps)
19 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 4 caps)
20 Honey Kerslake (Nolli Waterman PDG, Exeter College, 1 cap)
21 Ashton Adcock (Loughborough Lightning, Tamworth, 2 caps)
22 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 4 caps)
23 Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, 1 cap)
*A limited number of U23 players can be selected to widen playing opportunities on the pathway to full senior honours

England U21 Women’s 2026 Six Nations Series fixtures and results

(Warm-up friendly) Spain senior women 17-29 England U21 Women – Saturday 4th April – Estadio El Pantano, Villajoyosa
Round 1 – Scotland 12-51 England – Saturday 18th April, 11:00 BST kick-off – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Round 2 – England 40-41 Ireland – Saturday 2nd May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry
Round 3 – England vs. France – Sunday 10th May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Goldington Road, Bedford

With thanks to the RFU

The versatile Loughborough Lightning back debuted for England at the same stadium in Parma back in November 2020 and has accumulated 186 points for her country to date.

Rowland, who has started every match at 12 in this year’s tournament, is part of a backline with two changes from victory over Wales.

Gloucester-Hartpury duo Emma Sing and Mia Venner come into the back three and Ellie Kildunne is named on the wing. Captain Jones is at outside centre while Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison form the half-back pairing.

In the pack, props Kelsey Clifford and Maud Muir start in the front row with hooker Amy Cokayne, and Abi Burton continues in the second row alongside Delaney Burns.

Marlie Packer and Maddie Feaunati, who have fond memories of winning their 100th and first caps respectively against Italy two years ago, remain in the back row, and Demelza Short completes the forwards starting her second Red Roses game at blindside flanker.

On the bench, there is a potential debut for Trailfinders Women forward Haidee Head. The England Under-21 international, who is Australian born, qualifies for the Red Roses through her mother and has impressed in the PWR since arriving in West London from Queensland Reds.

Head coach John Mitchell said: “This week is about re-establishing our processes and sharpening our focus now that we have new purpose. We’ve had a deliberate reset around learning where we will need to improve, we trust the way we play, and now it’s time to get back to it.

“We’ve built momentum throughout this tournament by stacking strong moments together, and that will be crucial again this week. Italy will be full of confidence after their result against Scotland, and they’ll challenge us in different ways.

“For us, it’s about staying locked in on our key actions: applying pressure and intentionally attacking the space with speed. Ultimately, it always comes down to showing courage in the moments that matter.”

Lilli Ives Campion and Sadia Kabeya continue their rehabilitation in camp, but Alex Matthews has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. The Gloucester-Hartpury back row will have surgery on her shoulder this week.

Red Roses team to play Italy

15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 36 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 49 caps)
11 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 60 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 68 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 42 caps)
1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 24 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 92 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps)
4 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 7 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
6 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 114 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)

Replacements

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 22 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 82 caps)
19 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps)
20 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
23 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)

With thanks to the RFU

Two rounds remain, but the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations has already surpassed the audience, attendance, and engagement records from previous Championships.

A dedicated window in the global rugby calendar, national stadiums sold out, the surge in audience numbers and visibility, a growing community of fans connecting online, and new development pathways for future stars. Momentum in the women’s game is not slowing down.

Key Figures After Round 3

Attendance
194,466 – Total Attendance for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations after three rounds, a cumulative Championship attendance record (Previous record: 188,128 after five rounds in 2024) and a 136% Year-on-Year increase vs last year after Round 3 (84,645).

Viewership
9.9M – Total Viewership for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations after three rounds, an 11.5% Year-On-Year increase vs last year after Round 3 and a pre-fallow week Championship record.

Engagement
54M & 1.57M – (Views and Engagements) Record engagement across GW6N social channels after three Rounds, representing a 113% Year-on-Year increase in view count and a 57% Year-on-Year increase in terms of Women’s Six Nations channels engagements.

Championship Records

Round 1 Records
102,565 – Most attended Round in GW6N history (almost surpassing the attendance across the five rounds of the 2022 edition of the GW6N – 103K).
3.58M – The total viewership across Six Nations core markets from Round 1 fixtures marked the highest opening round audience ever recorded in the Women’s Six Nations.
77,120 – England’s first round fixture against Ireland at Allianz Stadium was the biggest match attendance in Guinness Women’s Six Nations history.

Round 2 Records
46, 432 – Record cumulative attendance after two rounds (151, 506 – Total attendance over five rounds in 2025).
9,206 – Attendance record in Ireland .
30, 498 – Attendance record in Scotland.

Round 3 Records
3.3M – Total audience for Round 3 across Six Nations core markets, representing a 27.8% Year-on-Year increase from Round 3 in 2025, and setting a new Round 3 viewership record.
2 – The first time two fixtures in a Guinness Women’s Six Nations round were sold out (England v Wales at Ashton Gate, Bristol & France v Ireland at Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand).
94% – The highest attendance capacity ever reached for a Guinness Women’s Six Nations round (previous record was 86% in Round 3 in 2025.
4,787 – Attendance record in Italy.

Championship Records by Market

England
77,120 – England’s first round fixture against Ireland at Allianz Stadium was the biggest match attendance in Guinness Women’s Six Nations history.
1.1M – BBC 1’s audience for the England vs Ireland Round 1 fixture was the second-highest ever recorded audience on the channel for a Women’s Six Nations game (after 1.4M in the England vs France game in 2024), peaking at 1.2M.

France
2.35M – France TV audience for the France vs Ireland Round 3 fixture was the second-highest audience for a channel across Six Nations core markets in Women’s Six Nations history (after their record 2.5M during France vs England in 2024).

Ireland
9, 206 – Attendance for Ireland vs Italy at Dexcom Stadium in Galway in Round 2, was the biggest attendance to date at an Ireland Women’s Rugby international in Ireland.

Italy
4,787 – Attendance for Italy vs Scotland at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma was the biggest attendance to date at an Italy Women’s Rugby international in Italy.

Scotland
30, 498 – Attendance for Scotland v England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh in Round 2, was the largest attendance ever recorded for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.
884K- audience on BBC 2 for the Scotland v England Round 2 fixture represents a record for this fixture where Scotland are the hosts.

Wales
500K – BBC 2’s audience for the Wales vs France Round 2 fixture was the highest on record for a UK audience watching a Women’s Six Nations game involving Wales

Coming up

More records are set to be broken before the end of the Championship
20k tickets have already been sold for the Round 5 fixture between Ireland and Scotland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The potential Championship-decider in Round 5 between France and England at Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux (Capacity 42K) is projected to surpass the previous attendance record for a Women’s Six Nations Rugby match in France (27K in 2024).
Find all Guinness Women’s Six Nations ticketing and information HERE

Upcoming Fixtures

With thanks to the Women’s 6 Nations 

The Nick Newbold Stadium hosts the Matchday 2 meeting this Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off) with the game streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube channel.

Gloucester-Hartpury’s Sophie McQueen resumes her role as captain in Coventry for England’s first home fixture of the competition, having led her side to wins over Spain senior women and Scotland U21 Women this month.

Hayley Jones, Annabel Meta and Jodie Verghese return to the U21 fold and are rewarded with starts following on from training experience with John Mitchell’s Red Roses.

Fellow senior trainee and Matchday 1 Player of the Match Carmela Morrall is named as a replacement.

Jemma Jo Linkins and Kaya Acton will earn their maiden U21 caps, with Millie Hyett and Tamsin Baynes also reintegrated into the starting XV.

Lucy Simpson, Lilly Plowman, Jasmine Adonri and Ashton Adcock are added to the replacements bench, with Lauren Bailey in contention for her first cap.

England U21 Women conclude their Six Nations Women’s U21 Series against France (15:00 BST kick-off) at Goldington Road, the home of Bedford Blues on Sunday 10th May.

LJ Lewis said: “We were pleased with a relentless performance away to Scotland, which reflected the development our group has committed to and the enjoyment they are taking from showing courage under pressure in key moments.

“Our mindset now is firmly on the next two-week block, building intensity in everything we do and continuing to strengthen our bond as a group while pushing performance standards.

“Ahead of an exciting two home games, I encourage our supporters to get behind this young squad, whose connection and energy in recent weeks has demonstrated their ambition to represent the Red Roses.”

Tickets to England’s Six Nations Women’s U21 Series home fixtures against Ireland and France are available now.

England U21 Women’s team to face Ireland (includes club, community club and previous U21 caps)

15 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, 1 cap)
14 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 2 caps) *
13 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 9 caps)
12 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 3 caps)
11 Jemma-Jo Linkins (Saracens, Ashford RFC, uncapped) *
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 8 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 8 caps)
1 Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 5 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, 1 cap)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, 1 cap)
4 Jodie Verghese (Saracens, Thurrock RFC, 1 cap) *
5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 3 caps)
6 Tamsin Baynes (Loughborough Lightning, Market Harborough RFC, 1 cap)
7 Kaya Acton (Loughborough Lightning, Hull Ionians RFC, uncapped)
8 Sophie McQueen (c) (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 4 caps)

Replacements

16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 3 caps)
17 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 11 caps)
18 Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 2 caps)
19 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 3 caps)
20 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, 1 cap)
21 Ashton Adcock (Loughborough Lightning, Tamworth, 1 cap)
22 Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 8 caps)
23 Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, uncapped)
*A limited number of U23 players can be selected to widen playing opportunities on the pathway to full senior honours

England U21 Women’s 2026 Six Nations Series fixtures and results

(Warm-up friendly) Spain senior women 17-29 England U21 Women – Saturday 4th April – Estadio El Pantano, Villajoyosa
Round 1 – Scotland 12-51 England – Saturday 18th April, 11:00 BST kick-off – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Round 2 – England vs. Ireland – Saturday 2nd May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry
Round 3 – England vs. France – Sunday 10th May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Goldington Road, Bedford

With thanks to the RFU

The Rugby World Cup 2025 winner returns after recovering from injury and will join up with the team today (Tuesday) at Pennyhill Park.

Hayley Jones, Annabel Meta and Jodie Verghese have joined up with England Under-21s ahead of their match with Ireland this weekend. Carmela Morrall and Haidee Head will remain with the Red Roses.

Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews will continue their rehabilitation in camp.

Sarah Parry has returned to Harlequins.

With thanks to the RFU

The 20-year-old, who has 26 tries in 31 Premiership Women’s Rugby matches, has been selected in the 14 jersey at a sold-out Ashton Gate.

It will be the third week in a row the Red Roses will have taken to the field in front of a crowd of over 25,000.

Head coach John Mitchell has made seven changes from the team that started the win over Scotland at Murrayfield last time out.

David’s club teammate Delaney Burns makes her first England appearance since 2023 from the second row in the absence of Lilli Ives Campion who misses the weekend due to a minor knee injury.

Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and fly-half Holly Aitchison return to the starting XV as does tighthead prop Sarah Bern.

Loosehead prop Mackenzie Carson earns a first start of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations while centurion flanker Marlie Packer, who scored her 53rd Red Roses try against Scotland, is promoted from the replacements.

“Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we’ve already left that behind us,” Mitchell said.

“This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. It’s one we’re looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we’ve started to build. Under Sean Lynn, Wales are improving, playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm, and we know we’ll have to earn that right again.

“For us, it’s about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate.”

Red Roses team to play Wales

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 59 caps)
14 Millie David (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 35 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 48 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 41 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 81 caps)
4 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 6 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)
6 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 30 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 113 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 25 caps)

Replacements

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 21 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 23 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 50 caps)
19 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps)
20 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 1 cap)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 67 caps)
23 Jess Breach (Saracens, 55 caps)

With thanks to the RFU