Everything you need to know about the women's Six Nations Championship
Calling all rugby union fans, this year's Women's Six Nations Championship is here.England were crowned last year's champions, lifting the trophy for an impressive sixth year in a row.However, each squad will be hoping to hoping to prove themselves and will see this competition as a crucial step towards the Women's Rugby World Cup which takes place later this summer. So, what else can we expect over the next few weeks? Here's everything you need to know about this year's tournament.Will you be watching the Six Nations? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the Six Nations tournament?
The women's Six Nations is played every year between the top rugby union-playing countries in Europe.It has been taking place since 1996 and is held separately to the men's Six Nations competition.What was initially a home nations tournament featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, has now grown to include France and then Italy.The Ireland rugby union team is made up of players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.England are the defending Champions and have been the dominant team in the competition - having won 20 of the 29 editions.
Who are this year's favourites?
England will be looking to make it seven titles in a row.They are on a 20-game winning run and their squad includes World player of the year, Ellie Kildunne.Not only that, they're also ranked number one in the world and are favourites to win the World Cup, which they host in August and September.
France are fourth in the world rankings and are the last team to have beaten the Red Roses in the competition.They're expected to be their closest challengers for the title and will be hoping to pick up their first Six Nations title since 2018.Ireland are also tipped to do well this year. They pulled off a big win over World Champions New Zealand in September and finished third in the Six Nations last year.However, they will be without injured co-captain Sam Monaghan.
What are the opening weekend fixtures?
This year's women's Six Nations takes place between Saturday 22 March and Saturday 26 April - with the first round of matches being played this weekend.The opening game of the tournament sees Ireland take on France at 1pm at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.Later that afternoon, at 4.45pm, Scotland host Wales at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.On Sunday 23 March, it'll be time for England and Italy to kick off their campaigns, as they face each other at York Community Stadium at 3pm.
What is the Grand Slam?
If a team wins all five of its matches, it is called a Grand Slam, but to win a Grand Slam is very difficult.Most recently, England's women have won the Grand Slam three years in a row in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
What is the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown is a special prize that only the four home unions - England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - are able to win.A team can only secure the Triple Crown if they beat all three of the other home sides.Although it gives a team a great chance of overall success - winning the Triple Crown doesn't always mean you win the Six Nations.In 2018, England beat Ireland, Wales and Scotland but didn't win the Six Nations tournament overall.
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