France backed to topple England in Six Nations finale by World Cup winner

Women’s Rugby World Cup winning wing Ruby Tui believes France can end the Red Roses‘ Guinness Women’s Six Nations dominance this weekend.

Ahead of the Round 5 clash between England and Les Bleues at Bordeaux’s Stade Atlantique, the 34-year-old believes that there is enough recent history to suggest François Ratier’s can get the job done on home soil.

“I am definitely going for France,” Tui told The Guardian’s Sarah Rendell. “I can’t go for England. I am not allowed to. France lost by one point [43-42] last year [in the Women’s Six Nations decider at Allianz Stadium], that was crazy. It is well and truly up to France.

“That quarter-final against Ireland at the World Cup kind of summed them up. They were 13-0 down at half-time and turned around and won 18-13. The way they play, it is very much a roll of the dice.

“They could beat England and I think England know they are looming there in the background. But also if England sorted out all of their attack and defensive systems they have, France won’t have a chance. I am very happy it is coming down to a banger in Bordeaux.

“There are a few French players who I thought would give Zoe Harrison a run who are out, so it will be a big ask but the last country to do it was France in 2018 and we need someone to stop this seven, eight run. So fingers crossed, France.”

England travel to Bordeaux with question marks surrounding them. In Tests against Wales and Italy, John Mitchell’s side have surrendered back-to-back try-scoring bonus points. They have conceded five more points than they did all of the 2025 Championship.

France, meanwhile, have looked rejuvenated under the leadership of Ratier and have racked up four consecutive bonus point wins with ease.

Tie in their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-final loss to the Red Roses last September, there is ample motivation to end England’s seven year period of dominance in the Women’s Six Nations and win their first Championship since 2018.