Spotlight on the Stars: Women's Six Nations Team of the Championship

England's Unstoppable Run in the Championship

It's no secret that England has dominated the Women's Six Nations, clinching their Grand Slam victory against a fierce French side. This win marked an impressive 39th consecutive triumph in the Women's Six Nations, solidifying their status with a record-breaking eight consecutive titles. But beyond the accolades and team successes, it's the individual performances that captivated us this year.

Using the meticulously crafted Opta Index—an analytical tool that scores players based on their performances—we delve deeper into who truly shone over the past six weeks. While the Red Roses displayed remarkable team cohesion, several players from rival teams also made a compelling case for selection based on their outstanding contributions.

The Backs: Who Stood Out?

• 15. Pauline Barrat (France): With electrifying skill, Barrat ranked among the top five for carries (63), metres gained (523), and a staggering 23 defenders beaten. Her link play was nothing short of brilliant, assisting a record 12 line breaks.
• 14. Anais Grando (France): Grando was a revelation! Leading France with five tries, she surpassed expectations and was instrumental in the back-line, showcasing her strength and agility.
• 13. Meg Jones (England): As captain, Jones didn't just lead; she led by example, boasting the top stats across various categories and showcasing her tactical brilliance.
• 12. Courtney Keight (Wales): Despite her team's challenges, Keight's contributions as the sole bright spot in a struggling Welsh side showed significant promise.
• 11. Ellie Kildunne (England): Topping the Opta Index, Kildunne's dynamic play involved her directly in eight tries—a staggering contribution showcasing her dual threat as a scorer and playmaker.
• 10. Zoe Harrison (England): With stellar passing accuracy and top-line break assists, she exemplified the playmaking prowess that unlocks England's expansive game.

The Forwards: The Backbone of Battle

• 1. Ambre Mwayembe (France): Dominating her position, Mwayembe led the pack with the highest dominant carry rate, meters gained, and was a defensive stalwart.
• 2. Amy Cokayne (England): Cokayne's near-perfect line-out success and scoring prowess fundamentally impacted the Grand Slam decider.
• 3. Sarah Bern (England): Exhibiting remarkable strength and tenacity, Bern was essential in set-pieces, contributing significantly to her team's scoring chances.
• 4. Valeria Fedrighi (Italy): Fedrighi's iron-clad defense and impressive statistics in both tackles and rucks highlighted her importance to Italy's structure.
• 5. Madoussou Fall Raclot (France): With an exceptional number of carries and dominant tackles, Fall Raclot repeatedly made impactful plays defensively and offensively.
• 6. Francesca Sgorbini (Italy): Sgorbini's reliability and effective carries helped maintain momentum for Italy, demonstrating her all-round capabilities.
• 7. Erin King (Ireland): King was the unsung hero, with remarkable contributions to rucks and defense, showing that hard work often goes overlooked.
• 8. Aoife Wafer (Ireland): As the Opta Index's top-ranked forward, Wafer's multifaceted impact on attack made her a standout throughout the championship.

Final Thoughts on the Championship

The 2026 Women's Six Nations showcased not just the talent of the England team but also highlighted the growing competitiveness across all nations. While England remains atop the table, the performances of these individuals remind us of the unpredictable nature of rugby, where heroes can emerge from any team. Each player selected for the team of the championship has proven their mettle and deserves their moment in the spotlight. As the dust settles on this year's tournament, I can't help but feel excited for what the future holds for women's rugby.

Looking Ahead

The narratives woven during this Six Nations invite discussions on future rivalries and potential developments within women's rugby. As teams regroup and re-strategize for upcoming tournaments, it's clear that the bar has been raised. Let's continue to celebrate the game, support the athletes, and push the boundaries of what's possible in women's sports.