The Women’s Six Nations kicks off this Friday when Scotland take on two time winners Ireland. As the last major championship that these sides will face before the World Cup in the summer, who looks likely to shine for their country?
England – Bianca Blackburn
Having been left out of Simon Middleton’s squad for the Old Mutual Wealth series in the autumn, Worcester scrum-half Bianca Blackburn will be keen to make her mark once again for the Roses and contest the number nine shirt with La Toya Mason.
Blackburn has been in impressive form for fifth-placed Worcester and in November was named as the club player of the month, with Valkyries director of rugby Donna Kennedy praising her as the “best scrum-half within the Women’s Premiership.”
Ireland – Sene Naoupu
The former under-21 New Zealand-born (of Samoan parents) is already one of the ‘poster girls’ for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup in August. And at the age of 32, the health and fitness coach still carries the ball as if she was 22 year old.
Fly-half Nauopu is a natural when it comes to rugby, having learnt much of her trade in North Otago and she qualifies for Irish citizenship through her husband George, who also plays for Connaught.
Scotland – Jade Konkel
The first women’s rugby player to sign a professional contract with Scottish Rugby, Inverness-born flanker Jade Konkel will massively boost Shade Munro’s side following time out from injury. Could this be the year Scotland win their first ever Six Nations match? If they are to do so, Konkel will no doubt play a pivotal role in a side that can consolidate on the positive performances displayed during their recent world cup qualifiers with Spain.
Wales – Carys Phillips
Having been named captain by her own father and Welsh director of rugby Rowland Phillips, Ospreys hooker Carys Phillips will continue the captaincy from last year’s tournament. Despite only featuring in Wales’ final warm-up game over Ireland, her performance was enough to resume her duties as skipper and will have the chance to lead her team into the top-three, as they try and better their fourth-placed finish at last year’s championship.
France – Gaëlle Mignot
Squad selection was an all-important one for France, who will look to defend their 2016 crown and none other than long time captain Gaëlle Mignot deserves her place in the squad. The Montpellier hooker has been at the helm since 2014 and will no doubt be expected to put on a fiery display ahead of what will be her third Rugby World Cup, come August.
Italy – Sofia Stefan
The blistering pace of winger Sofia Stefan will be important if Italy are to better their fifth-place finish at last year’s tournament. The 24-year-old scored a superb try against France last time round after backing her pace and she will be vital if the Italians are to run attacking lines at their opposition defense. She will join up with four teammates from Top 8 French side Rennes, in wearing the Azurri shirt in 2017.
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