Women’s Six Nations Weekend Preview

Wales v Scotland

Friday, kick-off 6pm (GMT)

Parc Eirias, Colwlyn Bay

The opening game of the championship is set to be a closely fought encounter with Scotland and Wales finishing fourth and fifth respectfully last year. Scotland secured their first win in seven years in the same fixture in 2017 and Head coach Shade Munro will hope the four full-time professionals named in their XV for the opener can help to repeat history.

Munro said “We had our most successful Six Nations for a number of years in 2018 so we are keen to kick on and keep improving across the park”

Wales have called up four uncapped players to their XV and will be hoping that they can quickly adjust to the international stage.

Wales’ only win in 2017 came against Italy in round one and head coach Rowland Phillips will be looking for a quick start with a packed Colwyn Bay crowd to inspire his team.

France v Ireland

Saturday, kick-off 8pm (GMT)

Stade Ernest Walton, Toulouse

France start their Six Nations campaign at home to Ireland on Saturday. France will be looking to build on last years solid result of finishing third in the Six Nations and reaching the World Cup semi-finals in August.

Newly appointed captain Gaelle Hermet said “It was a boost to do well at the World Cup because it gave us confidence. But it was also a frustration as we really wanted to win it – we really want to win the Six Nations this year.”

Last year’s runners-up, Ireland will be looking to go one step further this year. On the back of a poor summer and finishing eighth in their own World Cup, this will be far from straightforward. New part-time coach Adam Griggs has rung the changes, bringing in nine uncapped players to bring a fresh feel to the squad.

Griggs said “The opening game of this tournament is always going to be a challenge and France in front of their home crowd is immense. The squad have had good preparation over the last two weeks and are excited and focused on the challenge at hand to start our campaign off with a positive performance.”

Italy v England

Sunday, kick-off 7.30pm

Stadio Mirabello, Reggio Emilia

The final match of the opening weekend sees last year’s winners England face up against Italy on Sunday evening.

England’s impressive charge to Grand Slam triumph in 2017 included a 29-15 win over Italy at the Twickenham Stoop. Head coach Simon Middleton is not allowing complacency to kick in to the squad.

Middleton said: “the degree of talent we’ve brought in is far greater than has ever been introduced before.”

Italy will be looking to build on their single point earned in 2017 and will hope to pick up a victory in their first appearance in Reggio Emilia.

Catch every game live on TV or online!