BORDEAUX, France — In a highly anticipated showdown that packed the largest home crowd in French women’s rugby history, England delivered another masterclass of championship dominance to secure a record-extending eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title on Sunday. The red roses also claimed their fifth straight Grand Slam, capping off an undefeated tournament run with a convincing 43-28 win over a formidable host French side.
Heading into the clash, all signs pointed to a tight, competitive match. France entered the final round of the tournament also unbeaten, riding a wave of home support and momentum that many experts predicted would end England’s multi-year stranglehold on the competition. What is more, England took the field with just six players who were part of their 2024 Rugby World Cup winning squad from last September, leading many to wonder if the relatively reshuffled lineup would be able to hold off the French challenge.
But the young, refreshed English side quashed all doubts early, crossing the try line six times en route to the final score line. Fly-half Zoe Harrison was the standout performer of the match, her accurate right boot proving decisive in stretching England’s lead across the 80 minutes. Harrison slotted six out of seven attempted goalkicks on the day, closing out an extraordinary tournament with a total conversion rate of 29 successful kicks from just 31 attempts.
The victory extends England’s unprecedented world record winning streak to 38 consecutive international matches. Since the start of 2019, the side has lost just one match across 69 total outings, a mark of consistency that is unmatched in elite women’s rugby. The side will not face another test of their winning run until September, when they are set to host second-ranked New Zealand and third-ranked Canada in the annual WXV tournament. Until then, England will hold their position as the undisputed dominant force in European women’s six nations rugby.