This year delivered drama, unforgettable performances, and a glimpse of the bright future of the women’s game. With the announcement of the 2025 fixtures just around the corner, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights of from the 2024 edition —a competition that reaffirmed England’s dominance, showcased emerging talents, and captivated audiences.
England’s Grand Slam Glory
The 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations saw England secure their sixth consecutive title, completing a third straight Grand Slam with a commanding 42-21 victory over France in Bordeaux. Led by the indomitable Marlie Packer, the Red Roses once again proved why they are the team to beat. Their path to glory was marked by a series of dominant performances, including an 88-10 demolition of Ireland in Round 4, underscoring their depth, skill, and tactical prowess. Under new head coach John Mitchell – the biggest coaching name in the women’s game right now – they looked harder to beat than ever before.
Ireland’s Resurgence and World Cup Qualification
While England's dominance grabbed headlines, Ireland's journey in the 2024 Championship was equally compelling. After a mixed start, they finished third, securing a critical 15-12 victory over Scotland in the final round. A morale-boosting win, but also one that secured their qualification for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Under the guidance of new head coach Scott Bemand, Ireland showed a steadier ship than in previous campaigns, and should be in good shape for 2025.
Wales got the Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom on points difference in 2024, with Italy also having won just one match. Scotland's two wins - including a first in Cardiff since 2004 - put them in fourth position, with Ireland also pipping them to third on points difference.
The Moments That Defined the Championship
In a tournament filled with standout moments, a few performances stood head and shoulders above the rest. Ellie Kildunne of England was named the Guinness Player of the Championship with 38% of the fans’ vote. It was a well-deserved accolade for the fullback who consistently dazzled with her pace, vision and finishing ability. Her contributions were pivotal in England’s unbeaten run, and she has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting players in world rugby.
The Try of the Championship was awarded to Italy’s Alyssa D’Incà for her electrifying score against Scotland in Round 3. D’Incà’s try was a masterpiece of athleticism and precision, a moment of brilliance that encapsulated the spirit and skill of the tournament. Her performance throughout the Championship has not only made her a fan favourite but also a player to watch in future competitions.
The fans also had their say in the Fans’ Team of the Championship, with players from across the six nations earning their spots in the coveted lineup. England dominated the selection, with key players like Zoe Aldcroft and Sadia Kabeya featuring prominently, reflecting their influence on the tournament, while Wales and Scotland were the only nations with no players included.
Fantasy Rugby
The 2024 Championship also saw a surge in fan engagement, particularly through the Fantasy Rugby game, which brought a new level of interaction and excitement. Fans meticulously crafted their dream teams, with Ellie Kildunne, once again, emerging as a Fantasy MVP. The game’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of women’s rugby and the increasing involvement of fans in every aspect of the sport. Unsurprisingly, the game looks set to go up another level in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the fixtures for the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations set to be announced very soon, anticipation is already heightened. Will England continue their reign? Can Ireland build on their 2024 momentum? How will teams like France and Italy respond after a year of near-misses and stunning upsets? Can Wales and Scotland lay down a marker going into the Rugby World Cup?
The 2024 Championship has set the stage for what promises to be another epic tournament in 2025, which will itself be followed by a Rugby World Cup on home soil for the Red Roses. As teams prepare and fans eagerly await the action, one thing is certain: the Guinness Women’s Six Nations continues to be a thrilling showcase of the very best in rugby. Stay tuned for the fixture announcement, and get ready for another unforgettable year of world-class competition.
