RED ROSES SELECTION! Six Nations 2026 + PWR Insights | ft Claire Thomas | The Rugby Paper Roundup

RED ROSES SELECTION! Six Nations 2026 + PWR Insights | ft Claire Thomas | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TNT Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster Claire Thomas to preview the Women’s Six Nations — and explore the incredible momentum building behind the game. Women’s rugby fandom in the UK has surged from 7.94 million to 13.21 million since last summer’s Rugby World Cup, and now the Red Roses are set to play in front of over 70,000 fans against Ireland in the opening round. Is this the moment the women’s game truly hits the mainstream? Claire brings a unique perspective having covered Premiership Women’s Rugby week in, week out — offering insight into how the domestic game is shaping England’s squad, style and strength in depth heading into the tournament. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠How well the PWR prepares players for the step up to Test rugby •⁠ ⁠England’s incredible depth — and the selection headaches it’s creating •⁠ ⁠Which players are hitting form at just the right time •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones as captain — leadership, communication and presence •⁠ ⁠The big England XV debates — who starts and who misses out? •⁠ ⁠Whether attacking trends in the PWR are feeding into England’s style •⁠ ⁠The matchday atmosphere and growth of the domestic game •⁠ ⁠Why storytelling and player personalities are driving fan engagement Plus, Claire shares her standout PWR players ready to shine on the international stage, the best atmosphere she’s experienced this season, and the selection calls she’s most intrigued by heading into Round One. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/