The Women’s Six Nations has grown into one of the highlights of the rugby calendar, drawing record crowds and huge television audiences. With the 2026 championship on the horizon, here is your complete guide to the Women’s Six Nations 2026 — the fixtures, the key dates, the teams taking part and what to expect from another eagerly awaited tournament.
When is the Women’s Six Nations 2026?
The Women’s Six Nations 2026 begins on Saturday 11 April 2026 and runs across five rounds, concluding on Sunday 17 May 2026. The tournament is played over five weekends, building towards a dramatic final round often billed as “Super Sunday”, when the destination of the title is usually decided.
Who takes part?
As the name suggests, six nations compete for the championship:
- England
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Scotland
- Wales
Each team plays the other five once, and the side with the most points at the end of the five rounds is crowned champion. A team that beats all five opponents wins the coveted Grand Slam.
The full fixtures
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 championship:
Round 1 — Saturday 11 April
- France v Italy
- England v Ireland
- Wales v Scotland
Round 2 — Saturday 18 April
- Scotland v England
- Wales v France
- Ireland v Italy
Round 3 — Saturday 25 April
- England v Wales
- Italy v Scotland
- France v Ireland
Round 4 — Saturday 9 May
- Italy v England
- Scotland v France
- Ireland v Wales
Round 5 — Sunday 17 May
- Wales v Italy
- Ireland v Scotland
- France v England
Kick-off times and venues are confirmed closer to the tournament, and schedules can occasionally change, so it is always worth checking the official Six Nations source before making plans to watch a specific match.
The one to watch: France v England
The fixtures have handed us a mouth-watering finale. The championship closes with France against England in Round 5 — a pairing that, in recent years, has repeatedly decided the title. If both sides arrive unbeaten, as they often do, this final-day clash could once again be a winner-takes-all showdown for the trophy and the Grand Slam.
Who are the favourites?
England go into the 2026 tournament as the defending champions and the team to beat. The Red Roses have dominated the championship in recent seasons with a run of titles and Grand Slams, backed by a deep, professional squad. France are consistently their closest challengers and will fancy their chances, particularly with that decisive final-round meeting on the schedule. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy will all be looking to cause an upset and build on their own progress.
Why the Women’s Six Nations matters
The Women’s Six Nations has become a genuine sporting event in its own right, with growing crowds at major stadiums, expanded television and streaming coverage, and rising participation in the women’s game across all six nations. Each edition raises the profile of the sport further, and with a home Rugby World Cup having boosted interest in England, appetite for the 2026 championship is expected to be higher than ever.
How to follow the action
Matches are broadcast on free-to-air television and official streaming platforms in the UK, making the tournament easy to follow. Highlights, live updates and analysis are widely available across sports media throughout the five weekends. If you are planning to attend in person, tickets for the bigger fixtures tend to sell quickly, so it is worth booking early.
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Frequently asked questions
When does the Women’s Six Nations 2026 start?
The Women’s Six Nations 2026 starts on Saturday 11 April 2026 and runs across five rounds until the final day on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Who are the defending champions?
England are the defending champions going into the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, having dominated the tournament in recent years, and they start as favourites to retain the title.
Which teams play in the Women’s Six Nations?
Six teams compete: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Each plays the other five once, with the top side crowned champion and a team winning all five games claiming the Grand Slam.
The Grand Slam, Triple Crown and how the table works
The Women’s Six Nations is decided on a league basis. Teams earn four points for a win and two for a draw, with bonus points available for scoring four or more tries in a match and for losing by seven points or fewer. The side top of the table after five rounds is the champion. Win all five games and you claim the Grand Slam — the ultimate prize. There is also the Triple Crown, awarded to an England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales side that beats the other three “home nations” in the same championship. These extra milestones add drama to matches that might otherwise be dead rubbers, and they often shape how the final weekend unfolds.
Where can I watch the Women’s Six Nations 2026?
Matches are shown on free-to-air television and official streaming services in the UK, with highlights and updates across sports media throughout the tournament. Coverage of the women’s game has expanded significantly in recent years, making it easier than ever to follow every round.
