Team of the Week: 2026 Women's Six Nations - Round 1

Spearheaded by the enigmatic midfield maestro Meg Jones as tournament captain, England rolled into the Allianz Stadium full of expectation for their clash with Ireland. A capacity crowd of 77,120 watched on for a Women's Six Nations record, as England held out the gutsy Emerald Islanders for a 33-12 win.

Meanwhile, France ran away from an initial Italian challenge out in Grenoble, as Les Bleus Feminine racked up a seismic 40-7 triumph to get their campaign underway. Wales and Scotland closed out the opening round with a Celtic clash in Cardiff, as Scotland won 24-19 under the roof of the Principality Stadium. So, with the first round of the Women's Six Nations in the books for 2026, here's RUCK's Team of the Week.

The Harlequin was electric upon her return to the Allianz Stadium, as she showcased her regular PWR skillsets just a stone's throw from her home stadium of the Stoop. Kildunne overcame an uncharacteristic knock-on over the try-line to then find her groove, as she led the attacking stats and bagged a well taken try in the impressive opening round win over Ireland.

It was a match to remember for new-coming French flyer Anais Grando, as the wing marked her Test debut with a try for Les Blues. The Catalan-born sensation was one of six debutants named within the new-look match day 23, as France shuffled the deck for an expected victory over Italy. Grando dazzled upon the front foot to score the sole try of the first half, as the ASM Romagnat star showcased some scintillating attacking phases.

Off the mark in her new role as England captain, the one and only Megan Jones guided the Red Roses to their opening victory of their seventh consecutive Six Nations title defence. The former Olympic Sevens star brought her Team GB skillset to the forefront, with some breathless breaks across the park and inch perfect looping passes to pick out the wide channels. Seven tackles and a turnover also shone a spotlight upon the Trailfinders' defensive capabilities.

Partnering up with Jones in the midfield is Meryl Smith, as the Scottish centre was a definite game-driver upon Sione Fukofuka's first match as head coach. Smith was the dynamic ball-carrying self that has made her with Bristol Bears in the PWR. Having waited 18 months for her latest Scotland cap, Smith certainly made up for lost time in blue and black with a strong start to her Six Nations campaign.

The second of a trilogy of consecutive Scotland stars in our back-line, Shona Campbell lit up the touchline at the Principality Stadium this past Saturday. The versatile Sale Sharks flyer was on hand to bag a well-taken try mid-way through the second half, which helped turn the momentum towards the visiting side. Jess Breach of England gets an honourable mention this week, yet Campbell's contributions helped swing a tense Celtic contest in favour of the Scots.

Capping off this Scotland trio is Helen Nelson, who commanded the back-line to victory for the first win under the Thistles' new head coach. The stand-off’s game management was composed throughout a tense Celtic derby, as she kept Scotland’s shape intact and controlled territory with a smart kicking game and calm decision-making under pressure. Nelson’s ability to dictate tempo in key moments proved decisive as Scotland edged past Wales.

Lucy Packer set the tone for England’s tempo-heavy attack at Allianz Stadium, delivering a sharp and snappy service that kept the Red Roses firing against Ireland. The scrum-half’s ability to identify quick ball and accelerate phases was central to England’s rhythm, as she repeatedly put forwards and backs on the front foot in a controlled but relentless performance.

Leah Bartlett was a powerhouse in the Scottish front row, laying the platform for their opening-round win with a dominant scrummaging display, frequently getting the better of Wales' tight-head Sisilia Tuipulotu. The prop’s work rate around the park also stood out, consistently carrying hard into contact and helping Scotland stay on the front foot in key passages of play.

Amy Cokayne delivered a trademark combative display at hooker for England, combining set-piece reliability with relentless physicality in the loose. Her lineout work was accurate under pressure, while her defensive effort helped shut down Ireland’s attacking momentum in a bruising encounter. The Sale star capped off her afternoon with a well taken try, to guide England to a first half foothold after just seven minutes.

Sarah Bern once again underlined her reputation as one of the most destructive tightheads in the women’s game. The England prop set the tone in the scrum and carried with real intent, punching holes in Ireland’s defensive line and helping establish early dominance up front with two stong tries. There is also an honourable mention in store for Assia Khalfoui of France, who collected a try and the Player of the Match award from the win over Italy.

Kiara Zago was a standout in the French engine room, bringing physical edge and relentless work rate across both halves. At just 20-years-old, the young lock is a newcomer to the international stage, yet Zago showcased confidence and set-piece management like a veteran far beyond her years. Physical presence at the lineout and in contact helped France steadily overwhelm Italy after a tight opening period.

Another young second row who continues to make waves through the international women's game, Lilli Ives Campion continues to grow upon Test match maturity, as the Loughborough star grows from strength to strength in the England engine room. Her lineout execution was clean and her defensive contribution significant as England withstood early Irish pressure before pulling clear.

Captain Rachel Malcolm led from the front in Scotland’s win over Wales, delivering a typically tireless performance. Her breakdown work and defensive organisation proved crucial in a tight contest, as Scotland picked up their all-important first points of the annual competition.

Despite Wales falling short, Kate Williams stood out with a committed captain’s performance. She scored in a losing effort and consistently got through a high volume of work at the breakdown, keeping Wales competitive throughout their home-hosted clash with the Scots.

Aoife Wafer was one of Ireland’s brightest performers in defeat, carrying relentlessly and consistently punching holes in England’s defence. The Irish number eight led by example with physicality and intent, earning a deserved place in the Team of the Week despite the result. It was a close call between Wafer and her opposite player Alex Matthews this week, with the Red Rose worthy of an honurable mention.