Packer scores four as England crush Italy, near Women’s Six Nations title

Marlie Packer turned a fast start into a rout in Parma, scoring four tries as England beat Italy 61-33 and closed in on an eighth straight Women’s Six Nations title. The Red Roses secured their bonus point inside 15 minutes at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, then carried that early surge through to a 40-19 lead at half-time.

England’s nine-try haul underlined the scale of their attacking depth. Packer’s four were backed by a brace from Amy Cokayne, while Helena Rowland, Mia Venner and Abi Burton also crossed. Zoe Harrison was typically reliable from the tee, converting eight of nine attempts as England kept the scoreboard moving even after Italy found ways back into the game.

Italy were made to chase from the outset, but they still managed five tries of their own in a high-scoring contest that exposed some defensive slack in an otherwise commanding England performance. Vittoria Vecchini and Alissa Ranuccini crossed for the hosts, while Francesca Sgorbini scored twice. Italy also benefited from a penalty try after Ellie Kildunne was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.

For England, the bigger picture remained intact. The result extended their record unbeaten run to 37 Test matches and kept them on course for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam, with one round left to play. Their season has already included emphatic wins over Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and this latest victory added another reminder of the gap England have created at the top of the women’s game.

The title race now shifts to Bordeaux, where England face France at Stade Atlantique on 17 May 2026 in a likely Grand Slam decider. With Packer back in the starting side and England continuing to score heavily, John Mitchell’s team enter that match as the benchmark not just for the Six Nations, but for the sport more broadly.