Scotland Edges Wales in Cardiff Classic as Women's Six Nations Opens With Record Crowds

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff delivered everything a rugby fan could want on the opening weekend of the Women's Six Nations. Wales and Scotland served up a match that will be remembered long after the tournament concludes, a game of stunning tries, late drama, and heartbreak at the death.

Scotland somehow found a way to win, coming from behind to score in the closing moments and break Welsh hearts seven minutes past the full 80. The 10,569 supporters who packed the national stadium witnessed a record crowd for this fixture between the two nations, though many left wishing the match had been staged at either Cardiff Arms Park or the nearby Cardiff City Stadium, venues that might have better translated the atmosphere to the players on the pitch.

The Welsh Rugby Union's decision to host the match at the Principality reflects a genuine commitment to growing the women's game in Wales. Playing at the national stadium gives the team a stage worthy of their efforts, and while Saturday's attendance set a new benchmark for Wales-Scotland fixtures, there is clearly more room to grow.

Wales showed remarkable character to stay in the contest after falling 24-12 behind. Head coach Sean Lynn spoke of his pride in the way his team fought until the end, defending their own try line in the closing minutes under enormous pressure. Wales came within five points and had momentum, but a fumbled lineout deep in their own half as the clock ticked into the red handed Scotland the lifeline they needed. There were even suggestions Wales should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up, with a deliberate knock-on appearing to go unpunished at the set piece.

For Scotland, it marked a first win for head coach Sione Fukofuka since his appointment in December. Fly-half Helen Nelson, named player of the match, credited the team's defensive resolve in the dying minutes and praised the squad's work during a compressed pre-season of just 12 days together.

England, the competition favourites, got their campaign underway in stunning fashion at Twickenham, where 77,120 spectators watched the Red Roses defeat Ireland 33-12. That figure set a new Women's Six Nations attendance record. France currently sit top of the table on points difference after an impressive second-half comeback against Italy in Grenoble, and they travel to Cardiff this weekend as heavy favourites with two of three stands at the Arms Park already sold out.

Round one of the 2026 Women's Six Nations announced itself with statement crowds and unforgettable drama, a promising sign for a tournament that continues to grow in stature and reach.