England win eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations with victory over France

England secured their eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title and fifth straight Grand Slam with a dominant victory over France in Bordeaux.

Despite facing the worst injury and unavailability crisis in a decade, the Red Roses swept aside all opponents, extending their unbeaten run to 38 matches across all competitions.

The victory came in a cauldron-like atmosphere at Stade Chaban-Delmas, making England the first team to win the tournament immediately after claiming a World Cup title.

Fullback Ellie Kildunne scored two first-half tries, continuing her habit of delivering in crucial matches.

Hooker Amy Cokayne and captain Meg Jones were everywhere on the pitch, with Jones the only player to have played every minute of the tournament.

France will be bitterly disappointed, having hoped to repeat their 2018 victory in Grenoble. Scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus had a fantastic game, while Ambre Mwayembe and Madoussou Fall Raclot impressed.

France coach François Ratier emphasized preventing an early England score. His plan worked initially as France scored a spectacular team try in the 14th minute.

Mwayembe ripped the ball from an England attack, and after superb handling, Bourdon Sansus crossed the line.

Ratier’s second plan was to “hit England where it hurt,” but they failed to land blows in the first half. England responded with a try from Sarah Bern.

Glorious chaos ensued before England’s attack clicked. Kildunne scored twice, and Jess Breach added a brilliant finish in the corner.

Fly-half Zoe Harrison extended England’s lead with a penalty in the second half. Her kicking has been essential, missing only two of 31 shots at posts across five matches.

“She is very good,” coach John Mitchell said. “Zoe’s mental state has changed since the World Cup and I like that mental state. I think the players enjoy her as well because she drives the game. She is very decisive.”

France fought back with a try from wing Anaïs Grando, her fifth in five games, and a second from Bourdon Sansus. Breach scored her second to set up a tense final 10 minutes.

The win’s significance was shown by Cokayne’s celebration: she threw the ball and yelled “Come on” at the jeering French crowd.

France captain Manaé Feleu watched and applauded as England lifted the trophy, then became emotional describing her disappointment: “I am really proud of the girls and I am really proud of the group, we still have a lot to work on. I want to congratulate England, they are world champions and there is a reason for that.”

For France, this was an impressive first tournament under Ratier, and the loss will not halt their progress.

England’s lineup featured Kildunne, Breach, Jones, Rowland, Moloney-MacDonald, Harrison, L Packer, Carson, Cokayne, Bern, Campion, Burns, Burton, Kabeya, Feaunati, with replacements Maud, M Packer, Short. France’s lineup: Barrat, Grando, Rousset, T Feleu, Murie, Arbez, Bourdon Sansus, Mwayembe, Lazarko, Khalfaoui, Soqeta, Fall Raclot, Berthoumieu, M Feleu, Champon, with replacements Queyroi, Chambon, Brosseau, Riffonneau, Bernadou, Zago, Correa, Escudero.

Tries: France – Bourdon Sansus (2), Grando, Bernadou. Cons: Arbez (3), Queyroi. England – Bern, Kildunne (2), Breach (2), Cokayne. Cons: Harrison (5). Pen: Harrison. Referee: Clara Munarini (It). Attendance: 35,062.

The question remains: who can beat England? Their next opponents are Australia in the WXV series in September, followed by Canada and New Zealand. Mitchell said: “In four years time we want to do the same thing [as we did in 2025].”