Ciara Griffin: A Women’s Six Nations of ambition, redemption, and new beginnings

France will be fighting to right the wrongs from their lacklustre WXV1 performance, where they finished in an uncharacteristic fifth place. France admittedly were trialling new systems and new playing patterns but would have been hoping for a stronger finish.

France have made it clear they want to win the championship and overthrow champions England for the first time since 2018.

Manaé Feleu, the French captain, admitted at the Six Nations launch that her team are seeking a win against Ireland for a much-needed morale boost. Feleu conceded that the team had been putting too much pressure on themselves to execute and this was impacting their on-field performances. What struck me was the lock's honesty in what she is looking for from her team this campaign. “We just need to get back to the basics and have fun," she said, "because rugby is a game and if you’re not having fun, I don’t think there’s a point.” 

This rings as a warning shot for Ireland as a French side who want to throw off the shackles and just “joueux” can be a formidable and unforgiving opponent.

Ireland will need to have a clear gameplan of how they are going to upset the attacking French flair we have become accustomed to seeing in the competition. For me, dominant double hits are a way of limiting the French off-loading game to allow the Irish line just enough time to fold around and set for the next wave of attack. Ireland have shown a marked improvement in their physicality and tenacity in the defensive line under Bemand and defence coach Hugh Hogan.

The on-field battle between Pauline Bourdon Sansus of France and Emily Lane of Ireland at scrum-half will be a dynamic and crucial contest. Bourdon Sansus, known for her quick delivery and tactical kicking, excels in controlling tempo and directing the French attack. In contrast, Emily Lane's precision and fast decision-making bring a sharp, direct edge to Ireland's play, often creating quick ruck ball and probing defences. Their contrasting styles, with Bourdon Sansus favouring creative play and Lane focusing on fast, structured execution, will influence the pace, flow, and territory of the match, offering a fascinating tactical duel. The Irish back row of Hogan, King and Wafer will be imperative in limiting the impact Bourdan Sansus has on this fixture.

Sean Lynn is taking over the Welsh women after a tumultuous period marked by instability and challenges. Having recently led Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership titles, Lynn's track record speaks for itself. His tenure at Gloucester-Hartpury has been nothing short of remarkable, guiding the team to unprecedented success, and now he’s poised to bring that winning mentality to the Welsh women’s side.

One of Lynn's most notable qualities is his infectious enthusiasm, which he carries with him wherever he goes. This energy is contagious, motivating players to elevate their performance on and off the field. His leadership style is grounded in fostering a positive, supportive environment, where athletes are encouraged to believe in their abilities and embrace the challenge of competing at the highest level.

Equally important to Lynn is the culture he builds within his teams. He is a strong advocate for creating an environment where players are empowered to back their abilities and trust in one another. This approach not only strengthens individual confidence but also fosters a sense of unity and collective purpose. For Lynn, culture is key to sustained success, and it’s clear he sees it as integral to his coaching philosophy. After a period of uncertainty, Lynn’s appointment brings hope and fresh energy, with a focus on creating a strong, cohesive squad. His passion and proven track record are set to restore stability and lead Wales into a promising future.

They open their campaign away to Scotland, winners of WXV2 in October, in the Scottish fortress of Hive Stadium. Scotland, led by head coach Bryan Easson, will look to build on their competitive performances, aiming for consistency and strength across all areas. Both teams have talented players, and the match-ups are expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides hungry for success in the championship.

The kicking battle between Lleucu George of Wales and Helen Nelson of Scotland will be crucial in determining both teams' territorial control. Their kicking accuracy and decision-making will dictate field position, forcing each back three to defend deeper and cover more counterattack opportunities. This battle will influence momentum, impact set-piece opportunities through both players' abilities to secure 50/22s, and ultimately shape the game. It is an intriguing positional battle which I am eager to see unfold.

The Azzurri have the hardest job of the opening weekend, away to England in York and attempting to prevent a cricket score against the six-in-a-row champions. For Italy, the challenge will be to manage the physicality and intensity of the English side, while capitalising on any moments of vulnerability.

The Red Roses, as the clear favourites, will look to assert their dominance early, using their forward power and fast-paced backs to break down Italy’s defence. However, Italy’s resilience and flair could make this an entertaining encounter. England will look to lay down the gauntlet in their title defence with Italy aiming to prove they belong among the elite.

Under new head coach Fabio Roselli, the Italian team will be keen to show cohesion and skill, with a clear focus on improving their consistency and game management. Italy’s strength lies in their dynamic backline, led by their taliswoman Alyssa D’Inca who can exploit gaps with explosive pace and dynamic creativity.

As the 2025 Women’s Six Nations kicks off leading into a World Cup Year, anticipation is at an all-time high, with each team carrying its own ambitions and challenges into the competition.