England begin the 2026 Women’s Six Nations as the team everyone else is chasing. The world champions are the favourites to repeat last year’s grand slam, and they arrive with the status that comes from having set the standard in the women’s game.
That does not mean the tournament is without intrigue. France and Ireland are both expected to look for opportunities to disrupt England’s path, while the rest of the competition will be determined to close the gap on the reigning champions.
England
Coach John Mitchell leads the defending champions into the championship, with Meg Jones named as captain. England’s target is straightforward: another title challenge and, if possible, another grand slam.
Last year, England finished as grand slam champions, and that success places them in familiar territory heading into the new tournament. Their consistency has made them the benchmark for the rest of the field, and the pressure will be on them to keep that standard intact across the campaign.
With the world champions in their ranks, England carry the confidence of a team that knows how to win under pressure. Their opponents will need to find ways to match their physicality, composure and ability to control matches if they are to stop them again.
France
France are among the main challengers to England’s crown and will be hoping to force a shake-up at the top of the standings. They have long been one of the strongest sides in the tournament and remain capable of troubling any opponent on their day.
A key factor in their hopes will be turning strong performances into consistent results over the full competition. If they can maintain that level, France have the ability to put real pressure on the favourites.
Ireland
Ireland will also be looking to make an impact and test the leading teams. As one of the sides that England and France will have to account for, they have the chance to influence the shape of the tournament.
The challenge for Ireland will be to deliver at the top end of the competition and capitalise on any opening that appears. If they do, they could become part of the race that decides the final outcome.
The wider picture
The 2026 Women’s Six Nations again brings together the leading nations in the women’s game, with England expected to set the pace. But international tournaments are rarely decided by reputation alone, and the presence of rivals such as France and Ireland ensures that the championship should still provide plenty of competition.
For England, the task is to defend a title won with a grand slam last year. For the rest, the goal is to break that hold and make the tournament more open. That balance between a dominant favourite and ambitious challengers is what gives this year’s championship its appeal.
As the Six Nations unfolds, attention will fall on whether England can stay on top, or whether one of their rivals can produce the upset needed to alter the story of the tournament.
