2025 Six Nations preview: Red Roses v Italy
Everything you need to know as the Red Roses host Italy in the first round of the 2025 Women's Six Nations.
John Mitchell's side will head to York with confidence as Six Nations Champions, a title the Red Roses have held since 2019.
They kick off the campaign having won all 17 of their previous Six Nations matches against Italy. They last played at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, where the Red Roses won 48-0.
Currently ranked number one in the world, the Red Roses will look to maintain their winning streak against Italy at the LNER Community Stadium this weekend.
Red Roses team
| Where | LNER Community Stadium, York |
| When | Sunday 23 March |
| Kick-off | 15:00 |
| Where to watch | BBC Sport |
Select your own team...
Last time out
Keep your eye on...
Ellie Kildunne was the top point and try scorer among all teams in the 2024 Six Nations and named player of the tournament. If she comes off the bench she will look to use her speed to top up her try tally.
The Red Roses have been victorious in 50 of their last 51 Test matches and will look to keep hold of their 17 consecutive wins against Italy.
Flo Robinson's potential first cap. If she comes off the bench it will be her first Senior Women's cap, having already played for England U20. Other potential debutant is Jade Shakells.
Beatrice Rigoni - A talented player equally adept at fly half or inside centre, she’s been a fantastic addition to PWR side Sale Sharks, and is known for bringing creativity and flair to this Italian side.
Views from camp
Mia Venner
“The back three here are world-class. The amount of work they do off the pitch as they do on, is something you don’t see on a game day, so coming in and seeing that first-hand is amazing. It’s a privilege to be learning off these players, I’m very thankful.
“For me as a back-three player, speed comes into it, but I think my defence is really growing. I’ve got a lot to learn, but we’re always trying to evolve both individually and as a team, so I think I can bring that energy but also learn off everyone as well.”
Previous encounters
2024: Italy 0-48 England
2023: England 68-5 Italy
2022: Italy 0-74 England
2021: Italy 3-67 England
2020: Italy 0-54 England
