Your team-by-team guide to the TikTok Women’s Six Nations including the players to watch

THE captains of the TikTok Ladies’s Six Nations are delighted to be driving the sport forwards.

Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm is thrilled to see the highlight shining on ladies’s rugby union because the 2022 Championship prepares for Saturday’s massive kick-off.

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She stated: “After I was 15, I had no concept ladies’s rugby existed.

“For ladies to now know that early doorways and see how superb it’s — the unbelievable athletes on show — is cool and thrilling.”

New Eire captain Nichola Fryday added: “You don’t go right into a Championship pondering you aren’t going to win it. That’s each staff’s goal.”

And right here is all the things you must know concerning the contenders…

England

Coach: Simon Middleton

League and union participant however made his mark as a coach at Leeds, working alongside Stuart Lancaster, Neil Again and Jon Callard.

An immediate hit with the ladies’s staff when he was an assistant boss because the facet landed the World Cup in France in 2014. Took the Sevens squad to fourth on the Rio Olympics in 2016 and has three Six Nations Slams as head coach with the total facet. Made an MBE in 2021.

Captain: Sarah Hunter

Legend of the sport who will certainly develop into England’s most-capped participant. At the moment on 130 Take a look at match appearances and nonetheless churning out top-notch performances within the again row.

A World Cup winner in 2014, Hunter, 36, began at Lichfield Girls and went to Bristol then Loughborough Lightning. A sports activities science graduate, she was named World Rugby Ladies’s Participant of the 12 months in 2016.

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Rocky Clark’s Star Participant: Marlie Packer

Packer is an absolute savage on the pitch, an outstanding service with a lot grit and willpower. Every time we’re up towards it at Saracens, it’s all the time Marlie who will get the staff going once more with a cheeky rating.

Rocky’s One to Watch: Sadia Kabeya

The 19-year-old is pretty new on the scene however is one to maintain a detailed eye on all through this match. Kabeya is taking part in some distinctive membership rugby for Loughborough Lightning and I can’t wait to see how she contributes to worldwide duties.

Prospects

England have received the final three Six Nations and are all the time within the shake-up.

They may have one eye on the World Cup in New Zealand later within the yr however boss Middleton will likely be seeking to rotate his squad forward of what may very well be a Slam decider towards the French on the ultimate weekend.

Middleton had 40 gamers in camp to provide them an opportunity to indicate what they may do.

Squad

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Beckett, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Shaunagh Brown, Rowena Burnfield, Could Campbell, Bryony Cleall, Poppy Cleall, Amy Cokayne, Vickii Cornborough, Lark Davies, Vicky Fleetwood, Rosie Galligan, Detysha Harper, Sarah Hunter (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Harriet Millar-Mills, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Connie Powell, Abbie Ward.

Backs: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Heather Cowell, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt, Leanne Infante, Ellie Kildunne, Sarah McKenna, Lucy Packer, Amber Reed, Helena Rowland, Emily Scarratt, Emma Sing, Lagi Tuima, Lydia Thompson, Ella Wyrwas.

Event Historical past

Fifteen Grand Slams in 26 5/Six Nations and 17 title wins.

2021 end: Winners (beat France 10-6 in ultimate).

Odds: 4-7.

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France

Coach: Annick Hayraud

Profitable 65 caps for France between 1986 and 2002, Hayraud is nothing in need of a French rugby legend.

She received the Grand Slam as a participant in 2002, earlier than happening to teach Les Bleus to an unbeaten title in 2018.

In her second spell because the nationwide coach, the 54-year-old will likely be hoping to guide France to a seventh Six Nations crown.

Captain: Gaelle Hermet

At 25, Toulouse back-row Hermet is captaining England’s largest challengers on this Six Nations match.

Bursting on to the scene in 2017, Hermet has a fame for doing the fundamental issues nicely as an uncompromising unfastened ahead.

With management abilities besides and with a proficient squad behind her, the French captain is about to make a huge impact this marketing campaign.

Rocky’s Star Participant: Romane Menager

She has been a participant who has lit up the scene for years. Snug with ball in hand, the No 8 is a traditional French participant with nice footwork and actual aptitude.

Rocky’s One to Watch: Laure Sansus

Already earmarked by many as a attainable darkish horse, the Toulouse scrum-half is unquestionably one to maintain a eager eye on all through the 5 rounds.

Prospects

Just lately, England have put distance between themselves and long-term rivals France.

The French, who final beat Simon Middleton’s facet within the 2018 Six Nations, are with out Caroline Boujard, Safi N’Diaye and Pauline Bourdon initially, which means the match will likely be a take a look at of France’s depth.

With the expertise to win and Le Crunch on dwelling soil, Hayraud’s facet will definitely be backing themselves.

Squad

Forwards: Julie Annery, Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Alexandra Chambon, Annaelle Deshayes, Coumba Diallo, Celia Area, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall, Manae Feleu, Audrey Forlani, Emeline Gros, Gaelle Hermet (capt), Clara Joyeux, Assia Khalfaoui, Coco Lindelauf, Marjorie Mayans, Romane Menager, Agathe Sochat, Caroline Thomas, Laure Touye.

Backs: Cyrielle Banet, Camille Boudaud, Emilie Boulard, Yllana Brosseau, Marie-Aurelie Castel, Caroline Drouin, Maelle Filopon, Melissande Llorens, Marine Menager, Lea Murie, Morgane Peyronnet, Laure Sansus, Jessy Tremouliere, Gabrielle Vernier.

Event Historical past

5 Grand Slams in 23 5/Six Nations and 6 titles.

2021 end: Runners-up (overwhelmed 10-6 by England within the ultimate).

Odds: 6-4.

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Eire

Coach: Greg McWilliams

New to the hotseat after being appointed final December, McWilliams was on the Irish employees as an assistant within the 2013 Grand Slam season.

A stint within the USA, the place he assisted the ­nationwide facet to the 2019 World Cup in Japan, completed with a spell teaching in New York.

The one manner is up after failing to qualify for the subsequent World Cup in New Zealand.

Captain: Nichola Fryday

The second row has been capped 22 occasions and is just about an ever-present in an Eire staff which has struggled in latest Six Nations.

However the Irish will likely be smarting and a brand new teaching set-up may give them the kick they should upset a couple of apple carts on this ­match.

Rocky’s Star Participant: Lauren Delany

I used to be fortunate sufficient to be Lauren’s coach at county stage with Buckinghamshire earlier on.

She will get the ball at full-back, after which slashes by way of defences like a sizzling knife by way of butter.

She is an elusive runner with a secure pair of arms and has an honest deal with on her, too.

Rocky’s One to Watch: Nichola Fryday

You’ll be able to’t look additional than the captain who has all of it on her plate to tug this Irish staff out of the doldrums.

The 26-year-old lock has massive sneakers to fill as a not too long ago named skipper, following on from Ciara Griffin.

Griffin was captain for seven years and Fryday has quite a bit to stay as much as, however the slate is cleaned.

Prospects

Eire have gotten a little bit of free hit and might come out swinging on this Six Nations.

They did not make the World Cup however the IRFU have determined to put money into the ladies’s construction after that embarrassment and a pile of allegations about mismanagement.

It might not be a shock if they arrive out scrapping now that appears to be sorted.

Squad

Forwards: Amanda McQuade, Chloe Pearse, Linda Djougang, Christy Haney, Claire Boles, Emma Hooban, Neve Jones, Nichola Fryday (capt), Sam Monaghan, Aoife McDermott, Anna McGann, Grace Moore, Dorothy Wall, Aoife Wafer, Brittany Hogan, Emma Murphy, Edel McMahon, Maeve O’Leary, Hannah O’Connor.

Backs: Aoibheann Reilly, Kathryn Dane, Ailsa Hughes, Nicole Cronin, Nikki Caughey, Enya Breen, Stacey Flood, Michelle Claffey, Eve Higgins, Lucy Mulhall, Beibhinn Parsons, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Aoife Doyle, Natasja Behan, Lauren Delany, Eimear Considine, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Vicky Irwin.

Event Historical past

Peaked with their Grand Slams in 2013 and 2015. In any other case, have been out with the washing.

2021 end: third (beat Italy 25-5 in play-off).

Odds: 20-1.

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Italy

Coach: Andrea Di Giandomenico

Taking cost of his first Six Nations marketing campaign again in 2010, Di Giandomenico (beneath) has guided Italy to memorable wins over time, the nation presently eighth within the World Rugby rankings.

Turning into an increasing number of aggressive because the years have passed by, Di Giandomenico’s consistency has been key to the staff’s progress and he will likely be hoping for extra over these coming weeks.

Captain: Manuela Furlan

Representing her nation since 2009, Furlan has been a stalwart of Italian rugby.

At 33, the full-back registered a hat-trick towards Scotland over the past Six Nations, because the Italians completed fourth within the match.

Domestically taking part in for Villorba in Treviso, Furlan performed for Aylesford Bulls in England in 2016-17, profitable the Ladies’s Premiership earlier than the membership merged with Harlequins.

Rocky’s Star Participant: Manuela Furlan

She is an efficient onerous runner who’s a little bit of a wizard, capable of create one thing out of nothing with a bit chip over or an offload that you simply don’t count on.

Rocky’s One to observe: Sara Barattin

An absolute veteran of the sport with a good quantity of worldwide time beneath her belt, she’s a constant ingredient to the Italian squad and positively one to look out for.

Prospects

Launched to the competitors instead of Spain in 2017, Italy have by no means managed to win the title — though they did place second in 2019, their highest end thus far.

Consistency in choice and training has seen Le Azzurre develop yr on yr. They now have six gamers of their squad who boast greater than 60 caps and they’re prone to be pushing for a top-three end.

Squad

Forwards: Ilaria Arrighetti, Francesca Barro, Melissa Bettoni, Giordana Duca, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Giada Franco, Lucia Gai, Elisa Giordano, Francesca Granzotto, Isabella Locatelli, Gaia Maris, Michela Merlo, Francesa Sberna, Sara Seye, Emanuela Stecca, Emma Stevanin, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese.

Backs: Sara Barattin, Beatrice Capomaggi, Alyssa D’Inca, Manuela Furlan (capt), Veronica Madia, Maria Magatti, Alessia Margotti, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Michela Sillari, Sofia Stefan.

Event Historical past

Zero titles in 15 5/Six Nations.

2021 end: Fourth.

Odds: 50-1.

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Scotland

Coach: Bryan Easson

Drafted in to teach Scotland on an interim foundation in August 2020, Easson was given the reins on a full-time foundation on the finish of that yr.

Main his nation to this yr’s World Cup with a 59-3 win over Colombia in late February, Easson had beforehand performed for Exeter Chiefs within the late ’90s earlier than leaping into full-time teaching with Scotland in 2000.

Captain: Rachel Malcolm

Away from rugby, Dr Rachel Malcolm is a lecturer in utilized sports activities science at Nottingham Trent College.

Solely taking over the sport of rugby in 2015, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in November 2016 and he or she was named captain in 2018 after turning into such an influential participant — and will likely be seeking to trip the excessive of World Cup qualification.

Rocky’s Star Participant: Helena Nelson

Nelson’s means to hit onerous traces and break into area is unmatched.

There’s one thing magical about Nelson (above), she will be able to learn the sport so nicely. She’s bodily together with her tackling and an absolute worldie for Scotland.

Rocky’s One to Watch: Chloe Rollie

Rollie is an exceptional drive on the pitch, she runs onerous and makes space impression every time she performs.

Prospects

Scotland will likely be helped by having already spent a major time period as a gaggle whereas on the hunt for World Cup qualification.

This prolonged time collectively will lend itself nicely when arising towards opposition that haven’t performed a sport because the finish of final yr having returned to their golf equipment.

However the dimension of Scotland’s job is highlighted by the very fact they’ve misplaced their final three Six Nations matches towards England by an mixture rating of 185-10.

Squad

Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Christine Belisle, Sarah Bonar, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Katie Dougan, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Louise McMillan, Lyndsay O’Donnell, Jodie Rettie, Lana Skeldon, Emma Wassell, Alison Wilson, Molly Wright, Anne Younger.

Backs: Shona Campbell, Abi Evans, Megan Gaffney, Coreen Grant, Sarah Regulation, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Jenny Maxwell, Mairi McDonald, Liz Musgrove, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Chloe Rollie, Hannah Smith, Meryl Smith, Lisa Thomson, Evie Wills.

Event Historical past

One Grand Slam triumph in 26 5/Six Nations Championships was their solely title.

2021 End: Fifth.

Odds: 150-1.

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Wales

Coach: Ioan Cunningham

Cunningham was handed a year-long contract final autumn to take the Welsh facet to the World Cup in New Zealand this yr.

Performed for Bridgend Ravens, then age grade worldwide rugby, earlier than teaching on the Scarlets beneath present Welsh boss Wayne Pivac.

A former Below-20s boss, Cunningham led Wales to wins over Japan and South Africa earlier than the loss to Canada. Below the cosh.

Captain: Siwan Lillicrap

Skipper for the final two Six Nations, one of many commonplace bearers of Welsh rugby and completely dedicated to the trigger after ditching her college job to take up one of many first nationwide contracts earlier this yr.

The back-rower was in items after final season’s 45-0 demolition by Eire however was one of many first to step up and chunk the bullet as Wales crashed. One participant who may drag Wales out of their hunch.

Rocky’s Star Participant: Jasmine Joyce

She lights up any rugby pitch she is on. There’s a cause she is in each single headline.

Give her the ball and she’s going to create one thing out of nothing, positively the star of the squad.

Rocky’s One to Watch: Sisilia Tuipulotu

The 18-year-old has already been dubbed a Welsh rugby sensation, and never due to her cousin Taulupe Faletau both — they’ll each play. It’ll be nice to see what she will be able to do ball in hand come Saturday.

Prospects

Fascinating at first look however dismal on re-assessment. The WRU have lastly bought their act collectively and given a few of the ladies skilled contracts so possibly they could get their act collectively on the pitch.

They might rattle a couple of cages with the likes of Joyce on fireplace however they’re nonetheless miles behind the principle contenders.

As England boss Simon Middleton stated within the week, it takes time to stand up to hurry to being a professional.

Squad

Forwards: Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Gwen Crabb, Cara Hope, Kat Evans, Abbie Fleming, Cerys Hale, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Manon Johnes, Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap (capt), Liliana Podpadec, Carys Phillips, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Caryl Thomas, Sisilia Tuipulotu.

Backs: Keira Bevan, Lleucu George, Emma Hennessy, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Courtney Keight, Kerin Lake, Caitlin Lewis, Ffion Lewis, Lisa Neumann, Lowri Norkett, Kayleigh Powell, Gemma Rowland, Emma Swords, Elinor Snowsill, Niamh Terry, Robyn Wilkins.

Event Historical past

Nothing to jot down dwelling about, hardly troubled the scorers and can want contracts to mattress in. Possibly subsequent yr.

2021 end: Sixth (misplaced to Scotland, Eire, France in shortened match).

Odds: 100-1.

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