England Red Roses travel to Italy on May 9th for Women's Six Nations match

England's Red Roses are heading to Italy this Saturday, May 9th, for a big Women's Six Nations game. They have won all their matches so far, but some players are injured.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby |

Unbeaten England, known as the Red Roses, travel to Parma this Saturday, May 9th, to confront Italy in the Women's Six Nations Championship. The match, scheduled for a 2 PM BST kick-off, will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. This encounter marks a significant point in the tournament, with England aiming to solidify their position atop the league standings while Italy seeks to leverage their recent strong performance against Scotland.

Women's Six Nations LIVE! Unbeaten Red Roses travel to face Italy in Parma - 1

The Red Roses have maintained an undefeated streak throughout the championship, underscoring their dominance. However, the team faces personnel challenges with double World Cup winner being sidelined due to shoulder surgery sustained in the opening match against Ireland. Additionally, number eight Alex Matthews has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with injuries. These absences introduce an element of vulnerability, forcing tactical adjustments for the English side.

Read More: Bryson Howard commits to Duke basketball for 2026

Women's Six Nations LIVE! Unbeaten Red Roses travel to face Italy in Parma - 2

Italy enters this fixture with a surge of confidence following their convincing 41-14 victory over Scotland in Round 3. Their defensive tenacity is a notable factor, with Alyssa D’Inca and Sara Mannini leading the competition in tackles made, and both featuring prominently in defensive rucks alongside teammate Veronica Madia. This solid defensive record suggests Italy will present a formidable challenge to England's attacking strategies.

Women's Six Nations LIVE! Unbeaten Red Roses travel to face Italy in Parma - 3

On the Red Roses' side, Helena Rowland is set to earn her 50th cap, a milestone highlighting her experience within the squad. Meanwhile, Haidee Head, a 21-year-old back rower, is poised for her debut off the bench, bringing perceived pace and power to the English lineup. Her inclusion signifies a blend of established talent and emerging prospects as England navigates its injury concerns.

England and France remain level at the top of the table, making the remaining fixtures crucial for determining the championship outcome. France, looking to apply pressure, will face Scotland in Edinburgh shortly after the Italy-England match. This proximity in fixtures intensifies the championship race, with England needing to secure maximum points against Italy to maintain their title aspirations.

Read More: Tom Dearden's Ankle Iced After Match, Fitness Questioned

Tournament Context and Broader Landscape

The Women's Six Nations tournament, spanning from April 11th to May 17th, 2026, features comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. Free-to-air broadcasters in the UK include BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, ensuring wide accessibility for fans. Other broadcasters and streaming services are available internationally, reflecting the growing global interest in the women's rugby competition.

Historically, neither Wales nor Italy has ever won the Women's Six Nations. England, under the guidance of John Mitchell, is on a trajectory for a potential eighth consecutive title, having commenced their campaign with a victory over Ireland in front of a record crowd of 77,120. This dominant performance sets a high bar for the rest of the participating nations. The tournament's narrative is further shaped by ongoing discussions regarding its evolution, with observations suggesting an increase in speed and strategic complexity.

Read More: Sea Eagles beat Broncos, but forward injured

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the England Red Roses vs Italy Women's Six Nations match?
The England Red Roses will travel to Parma, Italy, to play Italy this Saturday, May 9th. The game starts at 2 PM BST and will be shown on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Q: What is the current situation with the England Red Roses squad?
England is currently facing some player absences due to injuries. A double World Cup winner is out with a shoulder injury, and number eight Alex Matthews is also injured for the rest of the tournament.
Q: How has Italy performed recently in the Women's Six Nations?
Italy is coming into this match with confidence after beating Scotland 41-14 in their last game. Their defense has been strong, with players like Alyssa D’Inca and Sara Mannini making many tackles.
Q: What are England's chances of winning the Women's Six Nations title?
England is currently level at the top of the table with France. They need to win against Italy to keep their hopes of winning the championship alive.
Q: Where can I watch the Women's Six Nations matches?
In the UK, matches are available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Other international broadcasters and streaming services are also showing the games globally.