England 58 – 7 Scotland Women

Red Roses wing Claudia MacDonald scored twice as England put Scotland to the sword in their Six Nations opener

England began their 2023 Women’s Six Nations campaign in dominant fashion as they proved far too strong for Scotland in a 58-7 win in stalwart Sarah Hunter’s farewell Test. 

In a game played in Hunter’s hometown of Newcastle at Kingston Park, England scored 10 tries through wing Claudia MacDonald (two), hooker Amy Cokayne (two), centre Tatyana Heard, lock Poppy Cleall, openside Sadia Kabeya and blindside Marlie Packer (hat-trick).

Hunter retires with a record 141 caps to her name, having made her Six Nations debut back in 2007, and leaves the sport at the age of 37 after a highly-decorated, 16-year career.

The one negative for Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton on the day was a serious-looking leg injury suffered by Cleall, who had performed superbly, in the closing stages.

More to follow…

What’s next?

England host Italy at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton next Sunday, April 2 (3pm kick-off GMT), in Round 2 of the Women’s Six Nations.

Scotland are in action next Saturday for the second round of the championship, hosting Wales at the Dam Health Stadium in Edinburgh (5.30pm kick-off GMT).