In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby journalist Caolin Scully to preview a blockbuster final round of the Women’s Six Nations — headlined by a winner-takes-all Grand Slam showdown between England and France in Bordeaux. The Red Roses are chasing an eighth straight title, but France once again stand in their way in what has become the defining rivalry of the championship. We break down where France can hurt England, how impressed we’ve been with the Red Roses’ depth amid injury disruption, and how Meg Jones has handled the pressure of captaining the side through the tournament. We also ask whether this latest England v France clash has all the ingredients to produce another classic. We also cover: •⁠ ⁠England’s unbeaten run and evolving squad depth •⁠ ⁠France’s attacking threats and belief heading into Bordeaux •⁠ ⁠Why this rivalry feels different from every other matchup in the tournament •⁠ ⁠Whether England’s rotation policy has made them even stronger 🇮🇪 Historic day at the Aviva Stadium Attention also turns to Dublin, where Ireland host Scotland in the first-ever standalone Women’s Six Nations fixture at the Aviva Stadium, with more than 28,000 tickets already sold. We discuss what the occasion means for women’s rugby in Ireland, the progress Ireland have made across the championship, and whether the battle for third place signals the emergence of a genuine tier beneath England and France. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Telegraph reporter and leading women’s rugby voice Fi Tomas to preview Round Four of the Women’s Six Nations. England head to Italy with a perfect record. We break down John Mitchell’s latest selection, including Helena Rowland earning her 50th cap, Ellie Kildunne’s shift to the wing to accommodate Emma Sing, and what England’s evolving attack says about where this side is heading tactically. We also discuss: • Whether England are adapting or evolving under Mitchell • Italy’s growth after an impressive win over Scotland • The “England need to lose” debate — and what it means for the competition • Anaïs Grando and France’s attacking threats against Scotland • Ireland’s expansive rugby under Erin King • Wales’ difficult run and Sean Lynn’s start in charge Fi also shares insight from her recent analysis work, including why female props are producing far more offloads and tries than in the men’s game — and what that tells us about the evolution of women’s rugby. We also discuss the wider growth of women’s sport, the rise in coverage since the Lionesses’ Euros triumph, and what it’s meant for Fi personally to help lead reporting in the space after being recognised on the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock reacts to the team news for the Champions Cup semi-final between Bordeaux-Begles and Bath, and predicts a surprise win for the Prem champions.