What Is 2018 Women's Six Nations Championship

Overview

The 2018 Women's Six Nations Championship was a pivotal moment in women's rugby, showcasing rising competitiveness and record-breaking performances across Europe. Organized annually by the Six Nations Rugby committee, the tournament brought together England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales in a round-robin format.

England emerged as dominant champions, winning all five of their matches to claim a Grand Slam—their fourth consecutive and 14th overall. The competition highlighted both established powerhouses and emerging progress among smaller nations, with Wales securing a significant upset victory.

• England completed a flawless campaign with five wins from five matches, outscoring opponents 125–34 across the tournament.
• The championship began on February 3, 2018, with England defeating Scotland 89–0 in their opening match at Twickenham.
• France finished second after losing only to England, narrowly missing the Grand Slam with a 13–10 defeat in the final round.
• Wales recorded a historic 9–6 victory over Ireland in Round 3, their first win in the tournament since 2015, boosting morale and development efforts.
• Ireland finished last with zero points, conceding 145 points across five losses, their first wooden spoon since 2011.

How It Works

The Women's Six Nations follows the same structural format as its men's counterpart, with teams earning points based on match outcomes over five rounds. Each nation plays one home and one away game, though scheduling varies slightly due to venue and broadcast agreements.

• Round-Robin Format: Each of the six teams plays five matches, one against each opponent. The team with the most points at the end wins the championship.
• Scoring System: Teams earn 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with bonus points awarded for scoring four or more tries.
• Grand Slam: Achieved when a team wins all five of their matches. England accomplished this in 2018, marking their fourth straight Grand Slam.
• Calendar Duration: The tournament spanned 6 weeks, from February 3 to March 17, with matches typically held on weekends.
• Host Nations: Each country hosts two matches—one home game per opponent over the two-year cycle. In 2018, venues ranged from Cardiff Arms Park to Twickenham Stoop.
• Refereeing Standards: Matches were officiated by World Rugby-certified referees, including notable names like Sara Cox and Alhambra Almagro.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a performance comparison of all six teams in the 2018 Women's Six Nations Championship:

England's dominance was evident in both points scored and defensive strength, while Ireland struggled to compete, finishing with the lowest points total and highest points conceded. Italy showed marked improvement, defeating both Scotland and Ireland to secure third place.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Women's Six Nations was a landmark event for women's sports, drawing increased media coverage and signaling growth in investment and public interest. It served as a platform for talent development and helped shape future international strategies.

• Increased Visibility: The tournament received record TV coverage in the UK and France, boosting audience engagement and sponsorship interest.
• Player Development: Emerging stars like Zoe Aldcroft and Ellie Kildunne gained international recognition, paving the way for future World Cups.
• Investment Momentum: England's success encouraged RFU funding increases for women's grassroots programs and academy structures.
• Competitive Balance: Wales' win over Ireland demonstrated narrowing performance gaps, encouraging parity in future tournaments.
• Pathway to World Cup: The 2018 championship served as a key preparation stage for the 2017–2021 World Rugby Women’s Series.
• Legacy Impact: The Grand Slam victory reinforced England's status as a global leader in women's rugby, influencing policy and participation rates.

As women's rugby continues to grow, the 2018 championship remains a benchmark for excellence, competitiveness, and progress across the sport.