England secured their eighth successive Women's Six Nations title with a commanding 43-28 victory over France in Bordeaux, completing a fifth consecutive grand slam in the process. The Red Roses extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 38 matches across all competitions, demonstrating once again why they are the dominant force in women's rugby.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Ellie Kildunne was the star of the show, scoring two first-half tries that laid the foundation for England's victory. The Harlequins full-back has a knack for delivering in crucial matches, and this performance was no exception. Hooker Amy Cokayne and captain Meg Jones also played pivotal roles, with Jones being the only England player to have featured in every minute of the tournament.
France started strongly, executing their game plan to perfection by preventing England from scoring early. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through a spectacular team try finished by scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus. However, England responded swiftly, with Sarah Bern crossing the line to level the scores before Kildunne and Jess Breach added further tries to give England a commanding lead at halftime.
Second-Half Control
Fly-half Zoe Harrison extended England's advantage with a penalty early in the second half. Harrison's impeccable kicking has been instrumental throughout the tournament, missing only two of 31 shots at the posts across five matches. England head coach Simon Mitchell praised her development, saying, "Zoe's mental state has changed since the World Cup, and I like that mental state. She drives the game and is very decisive."
France fought back valiantly, with winger Anais Grando scoring her fifth try in as many games and Bourdon Sansus adding her second. However, Breach also doubled her try tally, setting up a tense final 10 minutes. The emotion of the victory was epitomized by Cokayne, who celebrated England's final try by throwing the ball and yelling at the jeering French crowd.
Post-Match Reactions
France captain Manae Feleu was visibly emotional after the match, saying, "I am really proud of the girls and 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." Despite the loss, France showed promise under new head coach Francois Ratier, who took charge for the first time in this tournament.
England's next challenge will be against Australia in the WXV series in September, followed by tougher tests against Canada and New Zealand. Mitchell is already looking ahead to defending the World Cup in 2029, stating, "In four years' time, we want to do the same thing as we did in 2025."
Scoring Summary
- France: Tries - Bourdon Sansus (2), Grando, Bernadou; Cons - Arbez (3), Queyroi; Yellow card - Chambon
- England: Tries - Bern, Kildunne (2), Breach (2), Cokayne; Cons - Harrison (5); Pen - Harrison
Attendance: 35,062 at Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux. Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy).
