The Women’s 6 Nations rugby tournament is to start this Friday, February 5th.  The women’s game is just as competitive as the men’s and, unlike in many other sports, it is very highly thought-of by those in the men’s game. Not only does women’s rugby get desirable space in the rugby magazines but is often mentioned by commentators of the male game, without any punchline.

England are the out and out favourites for the competition having won the Grand Slam (and Triple Crown) last year.  Unfortunately the only thing Ireland came close to winning was the wooden spoon. Thankfully, we were beaten to that onerous honour by the Italians.  England’s dominance is not new, they have won the six nations and indeed the grand slam, every year since 2006 and as well as 2003.

France and Scotland have both won the competition in the past, and Wales had their moment in the spotlight when they won a Triple Crown, however, Ireland and Italy are yet to win any silverware.  It doesn’t look like that will change in 2010, as neither Italy nor Ireland have had a lot of game time in preparation for the matches.

n’s game, The 6 Nations is a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in England this year.  Italy is the only one of the six countries to have not qualified for this event so hopefully that will spur the teams to push even harder. Ireland have only had one game all season (v Scotland) so this practice is vital to any hopes of moving forward in the World Cup.

2010 Fixtures (all KOs in local time)

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