England are the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations champions. They are currently ranked as the best women’s rugby team in the world, as they take home the title for the sixth consecutive year in a row.
As usual, the GW6N was packed with action and memorable moments so we have so much to talk about!
Reflecting on this tournament, a big talking point has got to be Ireland. Last year the team walked away with the wooden spoon, placed at the bottom of the table. This year, they placed third overall securing spots in the Rugby World Cup (which they didn’t qualify for in 2021) and WXV 1.
When asking about tournament highlights, Irish Women's Rugby Supporters Club posted the below two images of Neve Jones and Cliodhna Moloney, and although it was a light hearted joke I really think these two individuals made a huge difference to the Irish set up. Having Moloney back in the fold would have brought some much needed leadership. And Neve Jones? Do I need to say anything else other than Tackle. Smile. Repeat.
In no particular order... pic.twitter.com/KTUR2SJjjG
— IrishWomensRugbySupportersClub (@IrishWomens) April 29, 2024
COMPETITIVENESS
Sport, at is core, is about competition. It’s blindingly obvious that the Red Roses are a cut above the rest, but this isn't a surprising fact considering the team have been on professional contracts since 2019. Also, it’s often glossed over but the pipeline of talent is never-ending for this squad with prime picks from BUCS and one of the best domestic leagues in the world with the PWR.
With that being said, it’s difficult to overlook England’s discipline issues, which the squad will need to address before facing the likes of the Black Ferns who will look to take advantage of every single weakness England display.
So, back to competitiveness. England’s success puts the spotlight on the Red Roses, and rightly so, but after the party is over this spotlight pivots across to the other unions. Ultimately, if this tournament is to have any success in the future the other unions must catch up with England. The RFU have carved out blueprints of how to create an elite-level successful team of winners.
To be blunt, if this competition continues as it does, we won’t attract fans wider than the core Red Roses supporters. Jeopardy is an essential element in sport, and to make this product (because that is exactly what it is) appealing something has got to change.
WXV QUALIFICATION
The WXV was introduced by World Rugby last year, and will enter its second cycle shortly. The idea of the competition in a nutshell is to increase international game time for teams, who are essentially split into three groups; 1,2, and 3.
The top three teams from the GW6N automatically qualify for WXV1, the top tier. Therefore England, France and Ireland are in. This is a big surprise, considering Ireland placed in the bottom tier of the WXV last year - it shows big progress and I predict playing against big players such as the Black Ferns, England are France will allow them to develop further. After all, to be the best you have to play against the best!
🤩☘️ Those Qualified scenes from @IrishRugby 💪#GuinnessW6N @rugbyworldcup pic.twitter.com/mLlbT0G5HV
— Guinness Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 27, 2024
BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD?
I made some content questioning if Ellie Kildunne was the best rugby player in the world a few weeks ago, and she seems to have earned that title, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was lined up for a certain award…
Ellie was the tournament's top try scorer, and shortly after the tournament wrapped up she confirmed she would be making the switch to sevens ahead of the Paris Olympics. I think this is a great decision, and I cannot wait to see her fast feet in the sevens game.
PROLIFIC 📈@elliekildunne #GuinnessW6N pic.twitter.com/St6L29XlQW
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 29, 2024
SCOTLAND
This Scotland team gave us a lot to like throughout the tournament. They brought home a win away in Italy for the first time in 25 years. Rachel Malcolm’s side also secured their first win in Wales since 2004. I would be interested to see how the funding from the British and Irish Lions lifts this Scotland squad. Scottish Rugby have elected to recruit two Performance Pipeline coaches with the money, and will also deliver U18/20 camps to develop young talent.
We still have a long way to go with this sport, and with women’s sport in general. It seems like each year we break new ground with bigger crowds and more interest in the game. If we can up the competitiveness of the Guinness Women's Six Nations we will be onto something special.
Thanks for sticking with me throughout the tournament, hopefully you enjoyed the updates!
