Reaction as Red Roses win 2025 Six Nations with win over France
Hear from Red Roses head coach John Mitchell, captain Zoe Aldcroft and centre Megan Jones following their 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam win.
The Red Roses retained their Six Nations title with a 43-42 win over France at Allianz Stadium to set themselves up perfectly for a home Rugby World Cup in August.
It was a hard-fought win, with France making it a one-point game at the death and centre Megan Jones said as much after the game.
"That was a Test match! Both sides going at each other for the full 80 minutes. I hope everyone enjoyed it,” said Jones.
"We have to enjoy tonight and we have a huge couple of weeks. The World Cup is down the line and we'll solve that problem when we come to it."
Sealing the Grand Slam at Allianz Stadium was not just a momentous occasion for the team, it was also a learning experience for a number of players who hadn’t played there before.
Double try scorer Emma Sing, for example, was playing her first game at the stadium, which Mitchell feels may be helpful during the Rugby World Cup.
“After today, 95% of the girls who are likely to go to the World Cup will have an experience of Allianz Stadium, before this game that wouldn’t have been the case,” said Mitchell.
“That is a situation we’ve planned for, to make sure the broader group have had an experience here.”
Mitchell has also rotated his side in many of their fixtures during the tournament in an effort to build experience for his players, again with an eye to the World Cup.
This has meant that players have different roles in the squad depending on the match and may have to be patient with their opportunities.
He said: “We’ve matured enormously in that area and if we hadn’t practiced those things going into a home world cup, when that reality happens you aren’t ready for it.
“I think our girls are definitely ready for what’s to come and whatever jobs they’re given.”
Over the course of the tournament, England have played home games in York, Leicester and at Allianz Stadium, something that Aldcroft feels will benefit the team when it comes to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
With the home Rugby World Cup fast approaching, the Red Roses will play group games in Sunderland, Northampton and Brighton & Hove, taking the tournament to supporters across the country.
“As players it’s amazing that we get to go to other areas of England and get the likes of the north of England, which is very special to me, involved in growing our game,” said Aldcroft.
“As Red Roses we are still in the process of growing our game and our fanbase, so it’s crucial we get all around the country.
“With the World Cup coming up we are going to be playing in different stadiums all over England so it’s vital for us.”
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