Players from across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be hoping to put in a good showing to improve their chances of making it onto the plane for the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027.

Below is all you need to know heading into the Women’s Six Nations.

Red Roses hunting for more

The Red Roses are the cream of the crop in women’s rugby at the moment. Their World Cup final victory at a packed-out Allianz Stadium was the side’s 33rd consecutive victory, setting a new world record.

The world champions now face the unique challenge of improving on unprecedented perfection.

With skipper Zoe Stratford one of three World Cup winners missing due to pregnancy, along with Abbie Ward and Lark Atkin-Davies, it is Meg Jones who has taken over the captaincy, while stars Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya are among the other eye-catching names in the squad.

​Yet, when head coach John Mitchell extended his contract in January, he pointed towards a burgeoning crop of talent that will begin to take over, and British & Irish Lions fans should keep a keen eye on the talent coming through.

Mitchell said: “This emerging group has the opportunity to continue leading our game globally. By driving higher standards and continually seeking new performance gains, the programme can build on what is already in place and push for new trends.

“The immediate focus, however, is 2026. There is a strong sense of unfinished opportunities within the group, and that will shape our preparation, training approach, and ongoing drive to raise our floor as we build our hunger in dynasty.”

Among the emerging crop of players are talents that have been lighting up the PWR of late, like Mia Venner, Abi Burton and Millie David.

The Red Roses will undoubtedly enter the tournament as hot favourites, and it will be interesting to see which new faces cement their place in Mitchell’s best XV.

Ireland welcome Aoife Wafer at 100%

Ireland’s green wave has been growing for some time now, and their performance at the Rugby World Cup impressed many, despite their agonising 18-13 defeat to France in the quarter-finals.

They reached that stage despite a number of key absentees, as well as players who donned the green jersey with less-than-ideal deal preparation.

Namely, Aoife Wafer, who raced back from a knee injury to help her nation try to reach a World Cup semi-final in her first appearance of the competition.

Now, however, Wafer is back to full fitness and has been immense in a Harlequins shirt, having signed to the London club this summer.

When she is fit, the back row has consistently been one of the premier talents in world rugby, winning the Six Nations Player of the Championship award in 2025.

In this edition of the Championship, Wafer will be looking to strengthen her already strong case for a place on the plane to New Zealand.

Scotland look to perform under new leadership

There is hope sweeping across Scottish rugby heading into this Six Nations following the appointment of Sione Fukofuka as head coach in December.

Scotland won two of their five matches in the last edition of the tournament and were beaten 40-8 by England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

With no shortage of attacking talent in Scotland, particularly in the backline, former USA boss Fukofuka will be tasked with getting them firing.

His first squad sees captain Rachel Malcolm leading from the front as ever, while the likes of Emma Orr and Fran McGhie will be expected to spark fireworks in the backs, where Meryl Smith and Shona Campbell have both earned recalls.

Wales turn to youth as Lynn builds foundations

Hugely successful domestic coach Sean Lynn has been in his post as Wales head coach since the last Six Nations and believes now is the time that his side will begin to improve.

Lynn, who won three consecutive PWR titles with Gloucester Hartpury, has named a young squad with plenty of new talent and coaches who he hopes will impress.

He said: "This is a new cycle for us. I'm very excited, we've got a blend of senior players, some fresh faces, fresh voices and the squad is looking much more competitive.

"We know we need to improve, and we're bringing in individuals we feel could be making that difference.”

Among the coaching changes are interim attack coach Ashley Beck and defence coach Tyrone Holmes, both of whom bring a wealth of experience in the game.

Key players for Wales will include hard-nosed flanker and newly named captain Kate Williams, and experienced scrum-half Keira Bevan.

Among the nine uncapped players, No.8 Jorja Aiono, prop Stella Orrin and centre Savannah Picton-Powell could all have big roles to play.