The 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations kicked off with drama, power, and historic performances across all three matchups.
France held their nerve in Belfast to outlast a fired-up Irish side despite going down to 14 players. Scotland edged Wales in a gripping Edinburgh showdown to earn back-to-back wins over their rivals for the first time in two decades. And reigning champions England sent a clear message with a ruthless first-half display against Italy in York. From narrow escapes to dominant statements, Round 1 showed this year’s competition is set to be one of the most competitive yet.
- Ireland 15 – 27 France
- Scotland 24 – 21 Wales
- England 38 – 5 Italy
Let’s break down all the action from the opening weekend:
FRANCE SURVIVE IRISH COMEBACK TO WIN BELFAST BATTLE
Ireland 15 – 27 France (HT: 5-17)
France opened their 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign with a hard-fought 27-15 win over a spirited Ireland side in Belfast. Despite playing more than half the match with 14 players following Gabrielle Vernier’s red card, Les Bleues held off a fierce Irish fightback to secure their 20th win in 23 Championship meetings between the two nations. France looked in full control early on, with Vernier and co-captain Marine Ménager both crossing for well-worked tries, while Morgane Bourgeois added seven points from the tee to build a 17-5 halftime lead. Aoife Wafer kept Ireland in touch with a powerful score before the break. The game shifted in the second half when Vernier was sent off for a dangerous tackle, and Ireland quickly responded through Neve Jones from a driving maul. Wafer added her second try with 15 minutes to play, narrowing the gap to just 15-17, but Bourgeois steadied the visitors with a long-range penalty. A brilliant team try finished by Émilie Boulard and converted by Bourgeois sealed the win for France, who overcame adversity to start their title quest with a valuable away victory.
IRELAND
- Tries: Wafer (21’, 66’), Jones (45’)
FRANCE
- Tries: Vernier (6’), M. Ménager (17’), Boulard (73’)
- Conversions: Bourgeois (7’, 18’, 74’)
- Penalties: Bourgeois (32’, 71’)
SCOTLAND EDGE WALES IN EDINBURGH THRILLER
Scotland 24 – 21 Wales (HT: 10-7)
Scotland secured back-to-back Women’s Six Nations wins over Wales for the first time in 20 years with a dramatic 24-21 victory at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. Despite trailing at halftime and going down to 14 players for the final 30 minutes, Bryan Easson’s side dug deep to hold off a resilient Welsh team and open their 2025 Championship campaign in style. Wales struck early through hooker Carys Phillips, who powered over from close range before Keira Bevan added the extras. Scotland responded with a penalty from fly-half Helen Nelson, but saw a try from Rachel Malcolm disallowed for obstruction after a promising lineout maul. After the break, Emma Orr sparked the comeback with a well-taken try, followed by Leah Bartlett dotting down from a pick-and-drive to restore Scotland’s lead. Despite losing Evie Gallagher to a red card for a dangerous clearout, the hosts showed composure under pressure, with Nelson pulling the strings and adding nine vital points from the tee. Wales battled to the end, with second-half tries from Abbie Fleming and Gwenllian Pyrs keeping the scoreboard tight. But a mounting penalty count in the final minutes denied them a shot at the win, and Scotland managed the game superbly to close it out.
SCOTLAND
- Tries: Orr (35’, 43’’), Bartlett (64’)
- Conversions: Nelson (36’, 44’, 64’)
- Penalties: Nelson (16’)
WALES
- Tries: Phillips (4’), Fleming (52’), G. Pyrs (73’)
- Conversions: Bevan (5’, 53’, 74’)
ENGLAND POWER PAST ITALY TO OPEN SIX NATIONS CAMPAIGN IN STYLE
England 38 – 5 Italy (HT: 33-5)
England began their 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations title defence with a dominant 38-5 win over Italy at the LNER Community Stadium in York. The Red Roses ran in six tries in a commanding first-half display and secured a bonus point inside 30 minutes, laying down a marker in a legacy-defining year. Winger Mia Venner opened the scoring just five minutes in, before Emily Scarratt powered over from close range following another incisive break. A penalty try and Claudia MacDonald’s superb finish off a pinpoint Holly Aitchison cross-kick pushed the scoreline to 26-0. Italy responded through No.8 Francesca Sgorbini, but England hit back immediately, with Amy Cokayne pouncing on a loose lineout to score their fifth before the break. The second half was a scrappier affair, with handling errors and ill-discipline halting the flow of the game. England eventually sealed the result in the 78th minute, as Lizzie Hanlon-Sing touched down after a slick move initiated by Scarratt. Maddie Feaunati was named Player of the Match for a relentless performance at No.8, carrying 14 times for over 110 metres. Simon Middleton’s side start their campaign with a maximum five points, as they look to make history in 2025.
ENGLAND
- Tries: Venner (3’), Scarratt (6’), Penalty Try (21’), MacDonald (28’), Cokayne (37’), Hanlon-Sing (78’)
- Conversions: Sing (4’, 7’, 38’)
ITALY
- Try: Sgorbini (33’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 1
Round 1 of the Women’s Six Nations delivered everything fans could ask for: grit, skill, and momentum-building victories. France proved their championship credentials under pressure, Scotland’s resilience shone through at Hive Stadium, and England made a bold opening statement in their title defense.
As Round 2 approaches, the tone has been set—no match will come easy, and every team looks ready to leave it all on the pitch.
Who impressed you most this weekend? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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