The Women’s Six Nations is just four days away from a marquee opening ceremony as Ireland and England go head to head in Dublin, while Scotland take on Italy at Scotstoun.
With players from four nations in domestic action, who were the Women’s Six Nations stars that excelled on the home league front?
Saracens head for a perfect ten
Reigning champions Saracens extended their grip on the Tyrrells Premier 15’s with a narrow 17-14 victory over Bristol Bears despite a late flurry sparked by England’s Lucy Attwood.
Two tries from Georgie Lingham and one from Nina Vistisen put the hosts well in front, but the visitors rallied ten minutes from time when England Women’s Six Nations squad members Bryony Cleall and Attwood went over to force a nerve-racking ending.
But Saracens managed to hold out to maintain a seven-point advantage at the top and stretch their winning streak to ten consecutive matches.
Elsewhere, Harlequins held out to beat Wasps with a host of England players, including Vickii Cornborough, Shaunagh Brown, Abbie Scott, Leanne Riley and Rachael Burford, all on international duty.
However, England’s Jess Breach and Emily Scott did link up to score in the encounter in a 17-13 thriller.
Loughborough Lightning secured their 13th league win in a 24-0 win over Worcester Warriors as Leah Bartlett, Natasha Jones and Georgia Bradley scored the tries, with Emily Scarratt converting.
DMP Sharks beat Firwood Waterloo Ladies, while Richmond and Gloucester-Hartpury played out an intriguing 26-26 draw.
Railway Union still on track
Railway Union’s unrelenting start to the All Ireland League continued with a dominant 62-0 victory over St Mary’s College as both sides battled on without their Women’s Six Nations stars.
Railway had five players missing, including Claire Boles, while Emma Hooban didn’t feature for St Mary’s.
Blackrock secured a 22-10 victory over Galwegians at Crowley Park, despite Hannah O’Connor and Michelle Claffey being away with Ireland.
And Old Belvedere played out a 5-0 victory over Cooke.
Pontyclun sitting pretty at the top
Wales are preparing for their Women’s Six Nations opener against France and on the domestic circuit, but a flurry of high-scoring clashes were played out in the Women’s Premiership.
Leaders Pontyclun RFC weren’t in action, but they hold a lead at the top of the table over Llandaff North RFC despite them recording a 22-12 win over third placed Pencoed RFC.
Swansea Women beat Caernarfon RFC 47-5 with tries for Robyn Lock, two from Jodie Evans, Courtney Edwards, Kelly Tombs, Fee Bowen and Rosie Mankee.
All-action Italian league in full flight
Iniziative Villorba Rugby continued their unbeaten hot streak with a 97-0 victory over Verona. The league leaders have only shipped 25 points all season – scoring 770 in return.
Second placed Rugby Colorno put 89 points on the board against Rugby Monza 1949, while third placed Valsugana Rugby Padova steeled to a 112-5 victory over Rugby Riviera 1975.
Meanwhile in Conference B, leaders Unione R. Capitolina toppled Donne Etrusche Rugby in a 39-0 away win and CUS Ferrara Rugby edged out I Puma Bisenzio Rugby 22-7.
