I have loved watching the skill, passion and quality across this year’s Women’s Six Nations – and I’m not the only one.
None of us quite knew what to expect from the Championship being played in its own window but personally, I think the way we’ve seen more eyes on the game means we can judge the move as a success.
How the format shapes up next year remains to be seen but hopefully we will see momentum continue to build and keep shining a spotlight on the stars who make the Championship so special.
DISCUSSION WILL DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
To have the final live on BBC2 was massive and it was brilliant to be a part of the coverage as England narrowly beat France to lift the trophy.
I was on social media on Saturday, working and watching, and there was so much conversation about the games.
We never used to have that before as we were in the shadow of the men’s tournament. This time, people were watching it, engaging with it and there was great coverage across radio and TV.
Across this year’s Championship, we’ve had questions asked of the women’s game – and there will be questions asked going forward.
But that’s important and it’s another benefit of being in its own window. It will encourage us to keep thinking about how to support and advance the women’s game, and to better invest in the product.
Hopefully, the increased coverage will have seen more people at home witness these role models in action.
I love the idea of people thinking ‘wow, I want to be like Lisa Neumann or Emma Wassell’, to name just two of those who have had Championships to remember.
SUPER SATURDAY HERE TO STAY?
One new introduction I would like to see stay put is Super Saturday, or Finals Day.
It allows women to get used to a final as not many players have that experience – it’s only in a World Cup you have that atmosphere and pressure, whereas in the men’s game there are European and domestic finals for players to become accustomed to.
All the teams on Saturday really went for it because it was their final and the question now is around the format.
The benefit of going back to the original format is that everyone gets more games but we have to try and make sure those games are as competitive as possible.
I don’t have all the answers but I would like to see efforts made to reduce the big scorelines and work with the unions to make sure there is greater investment in the women’s side and start closing that gap.
YOUNG STARS BEGIN TO SHINE
Seeing the next generation make their mark is a highlight of any Six Nations and this year has been no different.
France full-back Emilie Boulard, for example, has been a real star of this Championship. She was kept quiet in the final but showed her class in the opening two rounds and is definitely one to watch.
I’ve loved seeing Ireland’s Sevens players, like Stacey Flood and Amee Leigh Murphy-Crowe, make their mark in 15s while Dorothy Wall, Cliodhna Moloney, Eimear Considine and Beibhinn Parsons have all impressed at different times across the three games.
Scotland are progressing every year and it was great to see Wales put in a performance on Saturday.
They have had plenty of questions asked of them, which has been frustrating to see as I know – as do many others – how good this team are.
They have some very talented individuals who are very proud to play for their country and work as hard as anyone else.
They didn’t get the results but I was pleased they put in a performance. All the teams looked competitive on Finals Day – that was a real highlight for me.
TEAM OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP
I’ve enjoyed picking my Teams of the Round this year and selecting the Team of the Championship was a real challenge.
The wing was a particularly tough area and I’ve had to move Caroline Boujard into midfield and Dorothy Wall to No.7 to fit in everyone who I feel is worthy of a spot.
All six teams are represented and I reckon this XV would give anyone a game…
15. Emilie Boulard (France) 14. Lisa Neumann (Wales) 13. Caroline Boujard (France) 12. Helen Nelson (Scotland) 11. Beibhinn Parsons (Ireland) 10. Helena Rowland (England) 9. Leanne Riley (England) 1. Christine Belisle (Scotland) 2. Cliodhna Moloney (Ireland) 3. Rose Bernadou (France) 4. Emma Wassell (Scotland) 5. Zoe Aldcroft (England) 6. Ilaria Arrighetti (Italy) 7. Dorothy Wall (Ireland) 8. Poppy Cleall (England)
