The Women's Six Nations continues its remarkable growth, delivering electrifying rugby across six nations each spring. The 2026 championship promises record crowds, intense rivalry, and the chance to witness the sport's rising stars alongside established internationals.
Whether you're a devoted rugby supporter following your nation away from home or seeking an action-packed European city break with sporting credentials, this guide helps you plan the perfect trip.
Tournament Overview
The Six Nations
The Women's Six Nations features six European rugby union powerhouses:
- England — Red Roses, reigning champions, dominant force in world rugby
- France — Les Bleues, passionate rivals to England, brilliant attacking rugby
- Ireland — Green machine, improving rapidly, passionate home support
- Scotland — Auld Enemy rivals, passionate away following, improving team
- Wales — Red Dragons, passionate support, passionate derby matches
- Italy — Azzurre, exciting young team, growing strength
How the Format Works
Each team plays every other team once across five rounds. Matches run from late February through late March or early April. Points awarded: 4 for a win, 2 for a draw, 0 for a loss. Bonus points are available for scoring 4+ tries or losing by 7 points or fewer.
The championship typically follows this pattern:
- Round 1: Late February—opening weekend
- Rounds 2-4: March—mid-tournament weekends
- Round 5: Late March/early April—super Saturday finale
Match Timing
Women's Six Nations matches typically kick off at different times throughout the day:
- Afternoon matches: 12:00 GMT / 13:00 GMT—family-friendly start times
- Evening matches: 14:30 / 17:00 GMT—prime-time viewing
Check kick-off times carefully—they vary by round and venue, and some matches move to different days than in previous years.
Host Cities & Stadium Types
London (Twickenham Stadium)
The spiritual home of English rugby, Twickenham hosts England's home matches.
- Capacity: 82,000—the largest rugby stadium in the UK
- Atmosphere: Imposing but family-friendly
- Getting there: Twickenham station (20 minutes from London Waterloo)
- Nearby: Richmond upon Thames for pubs and restaurants
Cardiff (Principality Stadium)
Wales' fortress, the Principality Stadium (formerly Millennium Stadium) delivers unforgettable atmospheres.
- Capacity: 74,500—roof allows year-round play
- Atmosphere: Electric, famous for noise levels
- Getting there: Central Cardiff, 10 minutes from Cardiff Central station
- Nearby: The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
Ireland's modern stadium hosts passionate home support in the heart of the capital.
- Capacity: 51,700—state-of-the-art facilities
- Atmosphere: vociferous, famously loud
- Getting there: Lansdowne Road station, or 20-minute walk from St Stephen's Green
- Nearby: Ballsbridge neighbourhood, excellent pubs
Edinburgh (Murrayfield)
Scotland's historic home combines traditional atmosphere with modern comforts.
- Capacity: 67,000—spectacular setting at the foot of the Pentland Hills
- Atmosphere: Traditional, welcoming, less intimidating than Cardiff
- Getting there: 15 minutes by bus from Edinburgh Waverley
- Nearby: Murrayfield village, Corstorphine for post-match pubs
Paris (Stade de France)
France hosts matches at the iconic Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of central Paris.
- Capacity: 80,000—France's national stadium
- Atmosphere: Dramatic, passionate, occasionally tense
- Getting there: RER D from central Paris, 10 minutes
- Nearby: Saint-Denis basilica, suburban restaurants
Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
Italy plays at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, a legendary venue with layers of sporting history.
- Capacity: 70,600—largest stadium in Italy
- Atmosphere: Improving rapidly, passionate Italian support
- Getting there: Metro Line A to Ottaviano, then walk, or train from Termini
- Nearby: Vatican City, Trastevere for post-match dining
How to Plan a Rugby Trip
When Fixtures Are Announced
Women's Six Nations fixtures are typically announced in October or November for the following year's championship. Sign up for official Six Nations notifications to be the first to know.
Ticket Strategy
Getting tickets for popular matches requires strategy:
- England home matches: Highest demand—Red Roses tickets sell fast
- France home matches: Also very popular, especially against England
- Wales vs England/France: Hotly contested, good atmosphere
- Scotland vs England: Auld Enemy rivalry drives demand
- Italy matches: Easier to obtain, excellent value
Official channels:
- Each nation's rugby union website sells tickets directly
- Six Nations official site sometimes sells packages
- Official hospitality packages offer guaranteed tickets + premium experience
Accommodation Booking Timeline
For the best rates and availability:
- 8+ months ahead: Peak England/France matches, championship weekends
- 4-6 months ahead: Standard matches, most venues
- 2-3 months ahead: Italy matches, midweek fixtures
- Last minute: Possible but limited selection, higher prices
Train vs Flights in Europe
For European travel to Six Nations matches:
- London to Paris: Eurostar (2h 15m) often cheaper and more convenient than flying
- London to Edinburgh: LNER trains (4h 30m) or flights (1h 15m)
- London to Cardiff: Great Western Railway (2h) direct
- Dublin to Edinburgh: Fly (1h) or Irish Rail to Belfast + Edinburgh flight
- Paris to Rome: Flight (2h) or overnight train (11h)
Train travel offers flexibility, luggage allowance, and city-centre arrivals. Book Eurostar 3+ months ahead for the best prices.
Budget Breakdown
| Trip Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Tickets | £20-40 | £40-70 | £70-120 |
| Flights (from UK) | £50-100 | £100-180 | £200+ |
| Eurostar (London-Paris) | £50-80 | £80-150 | £150+ |
| Accommodation (per night) | £50-80 | £100-180 | £200+ |
| Food & Drink (per day) | £30-50 | £60-100 | £120+ |
| Transport (local) | £5-15 | £15-30 | £40+ |
| 3-Day Trip Total | £220-360 | £400-650 | £750+ |
Best Types of Trips
Solo Rugby Fans
Six Nations matches are fantastic for solo travel. Most stadiums have excellent single-person ticketing options, and rugby supporters are famously welcoming.
- Join a supporters' club: England Supporters' Club, French rugby clubs offer match-day meetups
- Book in away sections: Experience different fan cultures
- Consider weekday matches: Easier to attend, less crowded
Couples Weekend
A Six Nations weekend offers romantic city breaks with built-in excitement.
- Paris is perfect: Combine rugby with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and bistros
- Dublin suits pub-loving couples: Matchday in the temple of Guinness
- Rome for culture + sport: Vatican by day, rugby by evening
Group Away Days
Organising a group trip? Here's how to make it work:
- Book tickets early: Groups 10+ often get priority access
- Designate a transport lead: Coordinate trains or hire minibus
- Pre-book pubs: Popular venues fill up fast on matchdays
- Consider package deals: Some tour operators offer group packages
Family-Friendly Rugby Trips
Women's Six Nations is increasingly family-friendly:
- Afternoon kick-offs: Earlier starts suit children
- Kids go free: Most unions offer free child tickets with adult purchase
- Twickenham family enclosure: Specifically designed for families
- Murrayfield is great for kids: Less intense atmosphere, good facilities
Safety & Atmosphere
Crowd Vibe vs Men's Six Nations
Women's Six Nations offers a distinctly different atmosphere from the men's championship:
- More family-friendly: Gentler crowd, suitable for children
- Less alcohol-fuelled: More focus on rugby than drinking culture
- Welcoming atmosphere: Opposition fans mix freely without tension
- Growing attendance: Crowds increasing each year but still intimate
Best Cities for Atmosphere
- Cardiff: Unrivalled passion, singing, incredible noise
- Dublin: Warmth and wit, Guinness-fueled celebrations
- Edinburgh: Traditional Scottish hospitality, stunning setting
- Paris: Dramatic flair, passionate support
Accessibility
All Six Nations stadiums offer excellent accessibility provisions:
- Wheelchair spaces: Available in all venues, book through official channels
- Accessible toilets: Located throughout stadiums
- Assistance bookings: Contact stadium accessibility teams in advance
- Accessible transport: Major train stations have step-free access
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Women's Six Nations 2026 fixtures announced?
Fixtures are typically announced in October or November 2025. Sign up to the official Six Nations newsletter or follow your national rugby union for the latest updates.
How difficult are tickets to get?
Difficulty varies significantly by match. England vs France at Twickenham sells out fastest. Italy matches and weekday fixtures are much easier to obtain. Joining official supporters' clubs improves your chances.
Which city has the best atmosphere?
Cardiff at the Principality Stadium is widely considered to have the best atmosphere—Welsh supporters create an unforgettable wall of noise. Dublin and Paris are close seconds.
Is Women's Six Nations family-friendly?
Absolutely. The women's championship is notably more family-oriented than the men's version, with earlier kick-off times, more welcoming atmospheres, and often free or discounted child tickets.
Can I wear opposition colours safely?
Yes. While friendly banter occurs, Women's Six Nations is remarkably free from the hostility sometimes seen at men's matches. Wearing opposition colours is generally safe and often results in friendly conversations.
Start Planning Your 2026 Rugby Adventure
The Women's Six Nations 2026 promises another thrilling championship. Whether you follow your nation across Europe or pick a single spectacular weekend, you'll experience brilliant rugby in iconic stadiums.
Book early, plan your transport, and prepare for unforgettable atmospheres. The championship continues to grow—be part of it.