England thrash France to secure fifth straight Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam – as Red Roses run riot to extend their 38-game unbeaten run
John Mitchell was left on the verge of tears as he declared his England side ‘must be pretty close’ to the top rugby teams of all time and the nation’s best ever sporting outfits.
The Red Roses extended their winning run to 38 games and sealed a record eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title and a fifth successive Grand Slam in Bordeaux.
In a thrilling, ding-dong battle with France, star player Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach both scored twice as England repelled a brutal home performance not once, but twice.
On the back of sealing World Cup glory on home soil last year, this success cemented England as the dominant force in female rugby.
Asked if his team was deserving of comparison to the true greats, England head coach Mitchell cut an emotional figure.
John Mitchell’s Red Roses side rubberstamped their status as the female game’s dominant force with a 43-28 success, led by their star player Ellie Kildunne who was player of the match
‘We must be pretty close,’ he said, pausing briefly. ‘It’s nice for people to talk about the girls in that way, but what’s more important to us is the values we live by.
‘The girls are so brave. They take no s***. They are so driven and that’s what makes them so good. I’m pretty excited by that performance. I’m going to get stuck into a few beers.’
England’s women’s stars haven’t lost a match since 2022. Their last Six Nations defeat was as long ago as 2018.
In the 2026 Championship, Mitchell has been without four key players due to pregnancy and has seen his team beset by injuries. He’s been forced into 20 changes across the tournament yet still England have remained dominant. They are a mighty team, worthy of comparison to Sir Clive Woodward’s men’s rugby side who tasted global glory in 2003.
That much was proved here, England withstanding an immense French start. The hosts were exceptional at the beginning of both halves, closing to within eight points at the hour.
But England came up with an answer to everything that was thrown their way.
Sarah Bern opened the scoring and outstanding hooker Amy Cokayne put the game to bed, baiting the raucous French crowd a la Henry Pollock.
