However, the decisive moment came during the Women’s World Cup in 2025, where England emerged victorious and drew a record crowd of 81,885 at Allianz Stadium. This event marked a turning point, showcasing the potential for women’s rugby to attract large audiences and gain greater recognition.

As the Women’s Six Nations 2026 approaches, the tournament is set to feature matches between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, kicking off on April 11, 2026, and concluding on May 17, 2026. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable, especially after England’s recent triumph over Ireland, which attracted a crowd of 77,120—a significant increase from the previous record of 58,498.

Experts believe that this upward trend in attendance reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards women’s sports. Ellie Kildunne, a prominent player, stated, “You can never replicate a game that has happened before [the World Cup final]. This shows where the women’s game is going and long may it last.”

England’s dominance in the tournament is noteworthy, having won the last seven Women’s Six Nations titles and achieving the Grand Slam 25 times throughout the history of the competition. Additionally, they have secured the Triple Crown 24 times, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women’s rugby.

With the Women’s Six Nations 2026 being broadcast on BBC in the UK, the visibility of women’s rugby is expected to reach new heights. The stage is set for another exciting tournament, and as the kickoff approaches, fans are eager to see how the teams will perform.

The growth of women’s rugby is not just about numbers; it represents a cultural shift that is gaining momentum. As more fans engage with the sport, the potential for future growth seems promising.

As the tournament nears, details remain unconfirmed regarding specific match venues and ticket availability, but the excitement surrounding the Women’s Six Nations 2026 is undeniable.

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Zoe Stratford, captain of the England rugby team, has announced she is pregnant with her first child, due in September. This news comes as she prepares to miss the upcoming Women’s Six Nations tournament.

Stratford, who is 29 years old, led the Red Roses to a World Cup triumph on home soil just seven months prior to this announcement. The final, held at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, saw a record crowd of 82,000 fans, with England defeating Canada 33-12.

In her own words, Stratford expressed her excitement, stating, “We are so incredibly grateful and excited.” This announcement marks a significant moment in her career, as she is the third England women’s player to announce a pregnancy this year.

Stratford, previously known by her maiden name Aldcroft, has made a remarkable impact on women’s rugby. She was named World Player of the Year in 2021 and has co-captained Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.

Since her international debut in 2016, Stratford has accumulated 69 Test appearances, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport. She notably recovered from injury to start every knockout fixture at blindside flanker during the recent World Cup.

As the Red Roses prepare for their Six Nations campaign, which opens against Ireland on April 11, the team will need to adjust to her absence. Head coach Mitchell is expected to name his squad for the tournament soon, having recently agreed to a new deal through to the next major tournament.

Stratford’s husband, Luke, is a coach at Sale Sharks, adding another layer of connection to the rugby community. As the sport continues to grow, Stratford’s journey into motherhood will be closely followed by fans and fellow athletes alike.

While Stratford’s pregnancy is a joyous occasion, it also raises questions about the future of her playing career and how she will balance motherhood with her professional commitments. Details remain unconfirmed.

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