Women's Six Nations: Ireland Gear Up for France Showdown After Record Galway Win
Ireland's women's rugby team are preparing for a crucial Women's Six Nations clash against France in Clermont-Ferrand on Saturday, buoyed by a stunning 57-20 victory over Italy in front of a record home crowd of 9,206 at Dexcom Stadium in Galway.
The Ireland team, who have been in impressive form throughout the 2026 Women's Six Nations, will face a France side weakened by the loss of star centre Gabrielle Vernier, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a shoulder injury. Ireland's players have spoken of being motivated by a desire to avenge previous defeats to France, with the team's management declaring: "We owe them one."
Background
Ireland have a proud but uneven history in the Women's Six Nations, having won the championship twice — in 2013, when they completed a Grand Slam, and again in 2015. However, the intervening years have seen the team finish at the foot of the table on six occasions, most recently in 2023. The 2026 campaign represents another step in the team's journey back to consistent competitiveness at the top of the table.
Head coach Scott Bemand named a 36-player squad for the tournament, including nine uncapped players — a deliberate strategy to build depth and experience for the future. The squad is captained by Erin King, with experienced campaigners such as hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, who earned her 50th cap during the tournament, providing vital leadership alongside emerging talents.
The Irish Rugby Football Union has been actively investing in the growth of women's rugby through its 2024-2028 strategic plan, which aims to double participation and increase the visibility of the women's game. The record attendance of 9,206 at Dexcom Stadium in Galway is tangible evidence that those efforts are bearing fruit, with interest in the women's game growing rapidly at both club and international level.
Key Developments
Ireland's nine-try victory over Italy was a statement performance, with winger Beibhinn Parsons scoring a hat-trick to delight the record crowd in Galway. Parsons, who made her senior international debut at the age of 16 and represented Ireland at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the sevens format, has established herself as one of the most electrifying players in women's rugby — a player capable of turning a match in an instant with her extraordinary pace and finishing ability.
The result demonstrated Ireland's attacking ambition and depth of talent, with multiple players putting in standout performances across the park. The France fixture in Clermont-Ferrand on Saturday will be a significant step up in class, however. Despite losing Vernier, France remain formidable opponents with Grand Slam ambitions of their own. A win on French soil would be Ireland's first since 2017 and would send a powerful message about the team's title credentials.
England, who beat Scotland 84-7 in their most recent fixture, remain the team to beat in the tournament. The Women's Six Nations Round 3 fixtures also include England vs Wales at Bristol's Ashton Gate and Italy vs Scotland in Parma.
Why It Matters
Women's rugby in Ireland is at an inflection point. The packed stands in Galway represent more than just a good crowd for a rugby match — they are a signal that the sport has broken through into the mainstream sporting consciousness in a way that would have seemed improbable a decade ago. For the players, many of whom have come through a system that offered far fewer resources and opportunities than their male counterparts, the growing support is both validation and motivation. A strong performance against France would not only keep Ireland's title hopes alive but would further cement the women's game as a genuine draw for Irish sports fans.
Local Impact
In Northern Ireland, the growth of women's rugby has been particularly marked, with clubs across the province reporting significant increases in female participation. Ulster Rugby has been central to developing players who have gone on to represent Ireland at senior level, and the success of the national team provides a powerful inspiration for young girls taking up the sport. For rugby supporters in Belfast and beyond, Saturday's clash against France is must-watch television — a chance to see Ireland's finest women's players test themselves against one of the best sides in the world on their own patch.
What's Next
Ireland's performance against France on Saturday will be a key indicator of whether they can mount a serious challenge for the Women's Six Nations title. A victory in Clermont-Ferrand would set up a potentially decisive final round of fixtures and confirm Ireland's status as genuine contenders. For fixtures, results, and squad information, see the Irish Rugby Football Union's official website and BBC Sport's coverage of the Women's Six Nations.
