The Women's Six Nations championship begins on Saturday, 11 April 2026, with world champions England aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive title and a fifth straight Grand Slam. The Red Roses will open their campaign against Ireland at Allianz Stadium, marking their first return to the venue since their World Cup final victory over Canada in September.
England enters the tournament on a remarkable 33-match winning streak, the longest in world rugby history, and has not lost a Six Nations match since 2018. With regular captain Zoe Stratford absent due to pregnancy, centre Meg Jones will lead the side. Their biggest challenge is expected to come from France, whom they will face in Bordeaux on the final weekend, Sunday 17 May.
Ireland, captained by 22-year-old Erin King, has shown significant improvement in recent seasons. They boast last year's tournament player of the year, back row star Aoife Wafer. Italy, under veteran captain Elisa Giordano, seeks to build on last year's fourth-place finish with a blend of experience and new talent.
Scotland, with head coach Sione Fukofuka overseeing his first Six Nations campaign, hopes to continue the momentum from their World Cup quarter-final run. Wales, led by Kate Williams after co-captain Alex Callender was ruled out with an ankle injury, aims to end a losing streak and avoid finishing last.
Record crowds are anticipated as the women's game continues its rapid growth following the World Cup success.
Ticket sales for England's opening match have already exceeded 70,000, guaranteeing a new attendance record for a Women's Six Nations game, surpassing the current mark of 58,498. On the same day, Wales will host Scotland at the Principality Stadium, hoping to top last year's crowd of 21,186 for their match against England.
Scotland is set to break the attendance record for a standalone women's sporting event in the country when they host England at Murrayfield on 18 April. Sales are on track to exceed the 18,555 fans who watched the women's national football team play Jamaica in 2019.
Ireland will also play in front of substantial crowds as the championship showcases the expanding popularity and competitive depth of women's rugby across the six nations.