Women's Six Nations: Record crowds & programme gaffs

This episode of Rugby Union Weekly dives into the growing success and cultural shifts within women's rugby, spotlighting record-breaking crowds at Scotland's Murrayfield for the Six Nations clash against England—set to be a historic moment as the first women's sporting event in Scotland to surpass 30,000 attendees. Hosts Katie Daly-McLean and Lisa Martin discuss the implications of this milestone, the evolving fan culture, and the unique pressures on elite athletes, particularly England captain Meg Jones, whose post-match partying at The Patch sparked debate over professionalism versus authenticity. The conversation turns to the fallout from a major programme error at the Principality Stadium, where Scotland’s 2023 World Cup squad was mistakenly listed, highlighting systemic communication failures across unions. Injury updates for both England and Scotland are covered, with concerns over player workload and depth. A powerful segment features Ellie Kildun’s candid BBC interview about her struggle with body dysmorphia during lockdown, emphasizing the mental health challenges athletes face and the importance of support networks. The hosts reflect on how openness about personal struggles is transforming the culture of the sport, fostering greater vulnerability and connection. Predictions for round two follow, with cautious optimism for Scotland’s progress and high expectations for England and France.