England's Red Roses have cemented their status as the dominant force in women's rugby, clinching their eighth consecutive Women's Six Nations title and fifth straight Grand Slam with a hard-fought victory over France in Bordeaux. The win extends their remarkable unbeaten run to 38 games across all competitions, underscoring their invincibility despite facing a severe injury crisis.
The match saw standout performances from Ellie Kildunne, who scored two first-half tries, and captain Meg Jones, who played every minute of the tournament. Hooker Amy Cokayne also made a significant impact, scoring a crucial try and celebrating defiantly in front of the French crowd. Fly-half Zoe Harrison's flawless kicking was instrumental, missing only two of 31 shots at the posts throughout the tournament.
France, who had not beaten England since 2018, executed their game plan effectively in the first half, with scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus scoring a spectacular team try. However, England's attack eventually found its rhythm, with tries from Sarah Bern, Jess Breach, and Kildunne securing the victory. France's Anaïs Grando and Bourdon Sansus scored tries of their own, but it was not enough to overcome the world champions.
France head coach François Ratier acknowledged the challenge of facing England, saying the plan was to prevent early scores and hit England where it hurt. Despite the loss, Ratier's first tournament in charge was impressive, and the team showed promise for the future. England head coach Simon Mitchell praised Harrison's mental state and decisiveness, highlighting her growth since the World Cup.
The victory sets England up for future challenges, including matches against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in the WXV series. Mitchell emphasized the team's goal of defending their World Cup title in 2029, stating, 'In four years time we want to do the same thing.' France captain Manaé Feleu congratulated England, acknowledging their world champion status, while expressing pride in her team's efforts.
