The C&TH Guide To The Women’s Six Nations

The Women’s Six Nations returns on 11 April 2026, with England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales competing across five rounds. Running until 17 May, the championship continues to grow in scale and visibility, with fixtures staged across some of the UK and Europe’s most prominent rugby venues. And a slew of high profile partners – including Guinness and Defender – prove the women’s game is really growing. As Leonie Raistrick, UK Brand Director at Defender and Discovery, tells C&TH: ‘Women’s rugby is experiencing extraordinary momentum, and the Women’s Six Nations has become one of the most exciting and culturally significant tournaments on the sporting calendar.’

We couldn’t agree more. Wondering how to enjoy the 2026 season? We’ve got our comprehensive guide to the action below.

Women’s Six Nations 2026: The C&TH Guide

The Six Nations is split into five rounds over five weekends, comprising different fixtures between each of the competing nations. Everyone plays everyone, and the winner is the team with the most points (naturally, you earn points by winning or drawing). If a team beats all of the five other teams, they earn the Grand Slam.

The Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) have a miniature competition between them: if they beat all of their fellow home nations, they win the Triple Crown.

England’s Zoe Aldcroft lifts the Guinness Women’s Six Nations trophy after winning the 2025 tournament. (Ryan Pierse/RFU)

The 2026 Fixtures

The championship opens on Saturday 11 April with France v Italy in Grenoble, England v Ireland at Allianz Stadium in London, and Wales v Scotland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. These are the Round One fixtures.

Round Two commences on Saturday 18 April. This is when Scotland will host England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Elsewhere, Wales take on France at Cardiff Arms Park, and Ireland take on Italy at Dexacom Stadium.

The following Saturday (25 April) is Round Three, and sees Italy v Scotland in Parma’s Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, France v Ireland in Clermont-Ferrand’s Stado Marcel-Michelin, and England v Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol.

On Saturday 9 May, it’s Round Four: Italy host England in Parma, Scotland face France in Edinburgh, and Ireland play Wales at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

The final round, Round 5, takes place on Sunday 17 May. Ireland host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Wales face Italy in Cardiff, and France play England in Bordeaux.

England’s Ellie Kildunne celebrates following the 2025 match between England and France at Allianz Stadium. (Ryan Pierse/RFU)

Where & When

The 2026 Women’s Six Nations runs from 11 April to 17 May, with matches taking place across the UK, Ireland, France and Italy.

Do I Need Tickets?

Tickets are sold through the individual unions and venues, and availability varies by fixture. Matches held at larger stadiums are expected to attract strong demand, particularly England’s opening fixture in London and Ireland’s match at the Aviva Stadium.

How To Watch

In the UK, the Women’s Six Nations will be broadcast across BBC platforms, with live coverage, highlights and radio programming throughout the tournament.

If you fancy watching with a stellar atmosphere, plenty of London’s sports bars and pubs will be showing the action; here are our favourite rugby-loving spots.

Where To Stay Nearby

If you’re planning to attend one of the headline fixtures, London, Cardiff and Edinburgh offer the most convenient bases, particularly for matches held at the tournament’s largest stadiums.

If you are heading to London’s Allianz Stadium, The Goring in Belgravia offers one of the capital’s most established luxury stays. Family-owned and just moments from Buckingham Palace, the hotel is known for its traditional interiors and polished service, with The Dining Room holding a Michelin star.

In Cardiff, The Parkgate Hotel is close to the Principality Stadium, making it one of the most convenient places to stay for match day. Housed within a historic civic building, the hotel combines grand interiors with a more contemporary finish, alongside a spa and dining spaces.

In Edinburgh, 100 Princes Street offers a refined stay in the heart of the city, with views towards Edinburgh Castle and a location that places you within easy reach of both the Old Town and Murrayfield. The interiors draw on Scottish heritage, while The Wallace restaurant and bar provides a relaxed setting.