Women’s Six Nations: Scotland, France and Red Roses prevail in opening round
England centre Emily Scarratt.
The opening weekend of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations got the Championship off to a bang with packed stadiums across the United Kingdom.
Close contests and enthralling encounters took place with early victories setting the tone for the direction in which the tournament may be played out.
From dazzling debutants to timeless displays of class, the weekend showcased the continually evolving and growing heights of the Six Nations.
But who came out on top, and who will be approaching the second weekend with the wind in their sails as the hunt for a Grand Slam goes on…
Scotland 23-21 Wales
Scotland secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over Wales, marking consecutive Championship wins against their rivals as they edged them in Edinburgh.
Wales started the contest the strongest with Cary Phillips crossing for the away side inside the first five minutes but their positive start didn’t last long.
The Scots came back with vengeance with hooker Lana Skeldon powering over for a try that was converted to level up the scoring.
A converted try from Carys Williams-Morris had the visitors looking like they’d be going into the break with a lead but a penalty and late converted score from the blistering pace of Scotland’s Rhona Lloyd secured the hosts a 17-14 advantage at half-time.
This time it was Scotland who started the half well with Francesca McGhie finishing a classy move which was again converted by Helen Nelson to extend their advantage over the visitors.
Despite a late try from Gwenllian Pyrs and some sustained pressure from Wales, the hosts, roared on by the Hive Stadium, managed to hold on and secure a famous victory.
Ireland 15-27 France
France started their quest for victory well with the perfect start in Belfast as both Gabrielle Vernier and Romane Menager scored inside the opening 2o minutes, with Morgane Bourgeois starting perfectly off the tee.
Ireland managed to salvage a solo try before half-time with Aoife Wafer’s efforts providing the home side some hope but still remained a 17-5 deficit at half-time.
A 20-minute red card for Vernier at the start of the second half provided the hosts the chance they needed and Neve Jones scored a converted try to cut the gap to just five points.
However, the French raged on, knocking over a penalty and crossed one last time with Emilie Boulard adding the final try.
Though Ireland may have lost their opener at home, they showed fight to close the gap and nearly turn their fortunes around with a chance to bounce back against Italy this weekend.
England 38-5 Italy
The defending champions commenced their campaign with a much changed starting line-up, with opportunities to start and some first Red Roses caps handed out.
England dominated the first half in York with Mia Venner, Emily Scarratt, Claudia MacDonald, Amy Cokayne and a penalty try helping them soar out in front.
Italy managed a solo score with Francesca Sgorbini getting on the scoresheet but her side had work to do, being 33-5 down at the break.
Many felt England would continue their scoring spree in the second half but a low-scoring 40 minutes played out with Emma Sing scoring the only points after being rewarded for her Premiership Women’s Rugby title-winning form in a rare start over Ellie Kildunne.
Despite the imposing scoreline, John Mitchell will feel his side’s errors in the second period will need filtering out if they’re to continue their hunt for a Grand Slam next weekend in Cardiff.