The Women's Six Nations 2026 has concluded, and it's time to celebrate the outstanding performances that shaped this thrilling tournament. Opta's team of the tournament showcases some incredible talent, and I'm excited to delve into the reasons why these players deserve their spots.
Uncovering the Stars
Let's start with the French contingent, who dominated the selections. Pauline Barrat, a 21-year-old debutant, lit up the tournament with her electric running. Her statistics speak for themselves: top five in carries, second in metres gained, and joint second in defenders beaten. But it's her link play that truly sets her apart, assisting an impressive 12 line breaks.
Another French debutant, Anais Grando, secured the number 14 shirt with her excellent campaign. Grando finished as the top try-scorer for Les Bleues, showcasing her finishing prowess. Her ability to create space and offload the ball also stood out, making her a key asset in attack.
Moving to England, Meg Jones led by example as captain. She was the only English player to feature in every minute, and her stats reflect her dominance. Jones ranked highly in try involvements, carries, metres gained, and line breaks, showcasing her all-round excellence.
Courtney Keight, representing Wales, provided a much-needed spark in the midfield. Despite Wales' disappointing campaign, Keight's performance shone through. She gained the most metres in contact among all backs and delivered some powerful defensive tackles, showcasing her versatility.
Zoe Harrison, the English fly-half, played a pivotal role in unlocking her team's potential. Her passing accuracy and line break assists were exceptional, and her kicking performance was nothing short of remarkable. With a 94% success rate, Harrison outshone her peers, showcasing her precision and composure under pressure.
French Dominance Continues
Pauline Bourdon Sansus, a veteran at 30, was instrumental in France's success. She was directly involved in the most tries, with her assists and line break assists leading the championship. Bourdon Sansus' influence on the French attack was undeniable.
Ambre Mwayembe, a front-row forward, dominated the opposition with her powerful carries and effective tackling. Her statistics in metres gained, dominant carry rate, and offloads highlight her impact on both sides of the ball.
Amy Cokayne, the English hooker, was a try-scoring machine. Her six tries in the tournament, coupled with an almost perfect line-out success rate, make her a key figure in England's Grand Slam victory.
Sarah Bern, the English prop, was virtually unstoppable from short range. Her five tries, including the opening score against France, showcase her ability to finish. Bern's strength at the set-piece also contributed to England's success, winning crucial penalties.
Italian and Irish Impact
Valeria Fedrighi, the Italian lock, had an impressive campaign. Her tackling and rucking prowess, coupled with her passing ability, exemplified Italy's exciting brand of rugby. Fedrighi's all-round performance was a key factor in Italy's success.
Madoussou Fall Raclot, a French forward, made her presence felt with a high number of carries and dominant tackles. Her impact in both attack and defence was immense, gaining valuable metres and making key defensive contributions.
Francesca Sgorbini, the Italian go-to player, ranked highly in carries, metres gained, and try-scoring. Her impact in defence, winning turnovers, further solidifies her place in this team.
Erin King, the Irish jackal, kept the formidable Marlie Packer out of the XV. King's work rate is exceptional, leading the tournament in attacking and defensive rucks. Her tackling and carrying statistics are equally impressive, highlighting her all-round contribution.
Aoife Wafer, the Irish forward, is a rising star at just 23 years old. She topped the charts in carries, metres gained, and offloads, showcasing her attacking prowess. But Wafer's impact extends beyond attack, as she ranked highly in defensive statistics as well.
Final Thoughts
This Opta team of the tournament showcases the depth and talent within the Women's Six Nations. From debutants to veterans, these players have left their mark on the competition. Their individual performances and collective impact have shaped the narrative of this tournament, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for these exceptional athletes.
Personally, I believe this team selection highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of women's rugby. The level of play and the depth of talent on display is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes. It's an honor to witness their journeys and celebrate their achievements.
