England enter the 2026 Women’s Six Nations as the undisputed favorites, fresh off a World Cup triumph and riding a staggering 33-game winning streak. Head coach John Mitchell leads a squad that has seen significant turnover, with retirements like Abby Dow and Emily Scarratt, injuries to Tatyana Heard, and pregnancies sidelining Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies. Scarratt now serves as the attack and backs coach, while seven of the 38-player roster are uncapped. Despite these absences, the Red Roses remain a formidable force. New captain Meg Jones has set a clear 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.” Key player Jones is pivotal, but vice-captain Alex Matthews, a back-rower from Gloucester-Hartpury with two World Cup wins, adds leadership. Prediction: England are expected to sweep all matches and secure their eighth consecutive title, continuing their dominance as an unstoppable machine.
France, under head coach François Ratier and captain Manaé Feleu, finished second last year but face mounting pressure. The perennial runners-up have struggled to overcome England, and now Ireland threatens their position. Ratier, who took over in January, aims to deepen squad depth, stating, “Our objective is to continue expanding the squad’s depth, fostering healthy and demanding competition at all positions.” Key player Pauline Bourdon Sansus elevates France with her speed, calm leadership, and game management at scrum-half. Prediction: France will edge past Ireland but fall to England in the final round, securing second place again.
Ireland, coached by Scott Bemand and captained by Erin King, finished third last year and have shown remarkable progress. They pushed England hard in the 2025 Six Nations and were unlucky not to reach the World Cup semi-finals after letting a 13-0 lead slip to lose 18-13 against France. King returns from an ACL injury that kept her out of the World Cup, while back-rowers Dorothy Wall and Aoife Wafer are back. However, wing Amee-Leigh Costigan is pregnant with twins, and former co-captain Edel McMahon is injured. Ireland open against England in front of a record crowd, a tough test. Key player King, now captain, was already one of Ireland’s best before her injury. Prediction: Ireland continue to strengthen and are the main challengers to France and England, likely finishing third.
Italy, led by coach Fabio Roselli and captain Elisa Giordano, finished fourth last year. Roselli’s tenure started bumpily in 2025, with wins over Scotland and Wales and a close 34-21 loss to France in the Six Nations. However, a disappointing World Cup saw them exit in the pool stage, beating only Brazil but losing to France and South Africa. Roselli has blended experience with nine uncapped players, focusing on quick starts and implementing their style. Key player Michela Sillari, on 94 caps, aims to become the fourth Italian woman to reach 100. Prediction: Italy should improve but are unlikely to match last year’s finish, likely landing fifth.
Scotland, under new head coach Sione Fukofuka and captain Rachel Malcolm, finished fifth last year and are in a transitional phase. Injuries have hit hard, with No 8 Evie Gallagher ruled out, and retirements include Lisa Cockburn, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock, and Jade Konkel after a World Cup quarter-final run. Malcolm notes Konkel’s absence: “She is an incredible teammate to have on the pitch, but she is also one of the most caring off the pitch. She is that person to put an arm around you in the hard time. To not have her and her quirkiness is something we all miss already.” Key player Emma Orr, a centre from Bristol Bears, consistently breaks the gainline and has 11 turnovers this PWR season. Prediction: A successful outcome would be third place, but rising one spot to fourth is more realistic, as they haven’t finished above fourth since 2005.
Wales, coached by Sean Lynn and captained by Kate Williams, finished sixth last year and had a tough World Cup, exiting in the pool stage with losses to Canada, Fiji, and Scotland. Lynn emphasizes consistency: “We will be looking at our consistency. Consistency of performances and then if the results come then brilliant. Consistency in the set piece, defence, everyone knowing their process. Then our attack, I want us to be brave and exciting.” Injuries to Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe are setbacks, but the return of Alisha Joyce, who gave birth in November, provides a boost. Key player Lleucu George, from Gloucester-Hartpury, is crucial under pressure. Prediction: Positive results aren’t expected, with another wooden spoon likely, but improved performances would signify success.
