England’s Red Roses: Can They Be Beaten? 

This year’s Women’s Six Nations Championship will feature two outright favourites to win the tournament, two teams that could finish high in the table, and two that are unlikely to win but could still ruffle the favourites’ feathers. Statistically, England’s national team is far ahead of its competitors. However, following recent strong performances, bookmakers give France the best chance of challenging them. So, can England’s Red Roses really be beaten by Les Bleues or another contender? Let’s examine the likelihood of such an outcome. 

England Women’s Recent Achievements in the W6N 

Looking at recent and historical Six Nations results, there is only one clear favourite for this Guinness Women’s Six Nations Championship: England. The Red Roses are chasing their eighth consecutive title, having dominated with Grand Slam and Triple Crown victories since 2019. Since the tournament began in 1996 as the Home Nations Championship, they have failed to win only nine times, finishing second seven times, third once, and fourth once. 

In light of this, is there really any team capable of beating England’s Red Roses in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations? Let’s see how likely other teams are to cause an upset and challenge for the title. 

France – England’s Main Rival in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations 

France’s Les Bleues are seen as the main rivals to the Red Roses in this edition of the Guinness W6N Championship, especially among bettors following rugby handicap betting guides, where England often enter matches with heavy point spreads due to their dominance. And it’s no surprise, given they have been consistent challengers throughout the tournament’s history. Moreover, they have finished second in each of the past six editions. 

However, most sports betting sites in the UK give France a stronger chance of beating England this year than in previous editions. Every position in their team is well covered, with stars such as Manaé Feleu (a nominee for Player of the Championship in 2025), Marine Ménager, Gabrielle Vernier, and Pauline Bourdon playing key roles. But that’s hardly any different from England’s squad. 

The upcoming fixtures could offer a decisive advantage to Les Bleues over the Red Roses this year. 

Other Red Roses Potential Challengers 

Ireland and Scotland may also challenge England in this tournament. Let’s see how likely they are to upset the main favourites and shake up the standings. 

Ireland

Considered a dark horse in this tournament, Ireland has finished third in the last two Women’s Six Nations Championships, behind England and France. The Green Wave play consistently well, and if they reach peak form at the right time, anything could happen. 

Beating England’s Red Roses and/or France’s Les Bleues is a real possibility. After all, the Irish side includes Aoife Wafer (2025 Player of the Championship), Erin King (World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year), and Neve Jones (Team of the Championship in 2024 and 2025). 

That said, it may still be a long shot, as this year’s fixtures are not particularly favourable when it comes to defeating either England or France. 

Scotland

Seen as another dark horse in this championship, Scotland’s women’s rugby team could spring a few surprises. They boast standout players such as Helen Nelson and Evie Gallagher (a nominee for the 2024 Rugby Players Association Women’s Player of the Year award). However, they are still viewed as outsiders compared with this year’s favourites. 

However, a favourable schedule may give Scotland a slight edge in their bid to challenge the Red Roses and potentially disrupt the standings. 

Likely Wooden Spoon Contenders 

Italy and Wales are both capable of springing the occasional surprise. However, they are generally not seen as serious threats to England, this year’s defending champions. 

Italy may push stronger teams during individual matches, but they have struggled to compete consistently across a full tournament. In the past six W6N editions, they have typically finished fourth or fifth, avoiding the wooden spoon three times. 

Wales, meanwhile, are considered outsiders this year, having finished last in both the 2024 and 2025 championships. Historically, they have been long shots against top teams, despite achieving third-place finishes in 2022 and 2023. Still, they have several players worth watching in the 2026 W6N championship, so they shouldn’t be completely ruled out. 

Upcoming Fixtures Analysis

The 2026 W6N schedule may offer some clues about how close England’s rivals are to beating the Red Roses this year. 

Round	Fixtures (Home vs Away)
1	France vs Italy, England vs Ireland, Wales vs Scotland
2	Scotland vs England, Wales vs France, Ireland vs Italy
3	England vs Wales, Italy vs Scotland, France vs Ireland
4	Italy vs England, Scotland vs France, Ireland vs Wales
5	Wales vs Italy, Ireland vs Scotland, France vs England

England welcome Ireland and Wales while travelling to Scotland, Italy, and France. They should not face too many problems before the final round. However, their clash with France, who will have home advantage, is likely to decide the winner of this year’s championship. 

France, meanwhile, host Italy and Ireland, and travel to Wales and Scotland. Realistically, they are unlikely to slip up before the final round, although Ireland and possibly Scotland could put them under pressure. 

For Ireland, overcoming England or France away from home looks unlikely. Based on the fixtures, they may be better placed to target matches against Scotland. The fifth-round clash between Ireland and Scotland could determine third place, while Wales vs Italy may decide who avoids the wooden spoon. 

Who Wins the 2026 Women’s Six Nations Championship? 

All things considered, England and France are the most likely teams to decide the championship, with the title potentially coming down to a close finish, much like in 2025 when the Red Roses edged Les Bleues by a single point. 

Given the strength of the other sides, any alternative outcome appears unlikely. Ireland could push the top two, while Scotland and Italy may create occasional problems. However, their most realistic impact would be influencing the final standings rather than challenging for the title outright.