This weekend will bring the Women’s Six Nations Tournament to a close, however it leaves arguably the best game till last as holders England face rivals France in a Grand Slam title decider at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
England currently sit top of the table, leading Les Blues by just a single point. The Red Roses should be considered favourites for this match and also the title, having won the last 33 Six Nations games which is a record held by themselves previously between 2006-2012.
France will be no pushovers as they too have had a strong campaign themselves, also winning all of their matches, including a hard-fought victory against Italy in the last round. They will be determined to spoil England’s Grand Slam ambitions on home soil. Whilst they have struggled in the past against England, this year presents an ideal opportunity to claim the Six Nations title themselves.
In a huge loss for England, they will be without fullback Ellie Kildunne for the title decider as she is out with a hamstring injury. The Women’s World Player of the Year and Harlequins star has been a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament having scored a hat-trick against Wales and gaining more meters than any other player in the competition. Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing will take the No15 jersey and make just ger third England start. England Coach John Mitchell stated it wasn’t a serious injury and Ellie was keen to play through it, but as he has done so throughout the tournament, he is keen to use his strength in depth and give Sing her opportunity to impress.
France have also had to make changes to their team following their win against Italy in the last round. Romane Menager and Seraphine Okemba had to withdraw from the team due to injuries. Lea Champon will earn her first start of the 2025 Six Nations tournament, whilst Charlotte Escudero returns, Kelly Arbey also returns on the wing.
Red Roses Team:
15 Emma Sing, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Claudia MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Zoe Aldcroft ©, 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Alex Matthews.
Replacements; 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Abi Burton, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland.
Previous encounters:
2024: France 21-42 England
2023: England 38-33 France
2022: France 7-13 England
2022: France 12-24 England
2021: France 15-7 England
2021: England 10-6 France
Allianz Stadium Twickenham
Saturday 26th April 2025
Kick off – 16:45
BBC 2 / BBC Sport
WRITTEN BY: Amy Tuscher
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