2026 Six Nations Women's U21 Series
| 2026 Six Nations Women's U21 Series | |
|---|---|
| Countries | |
| Date | 18 April – 10 May 2026 |
| Official website | |
| www | |
The 2026 Six Nations Women's U21 Series is the third edition of the Six Nations Women's age-grade rugby union competition, and the first under the new U21 format.[1]
The competition will run from 18 April to 10 May 2026, with fixtures scheduled to align with the 2026 Women's Six Nations Championship, allowing for double-header weekends.[1]
Format changes
Changes from U20 Summer Series
Unlike the previous festival format used in 2024 and 2025, where all six teams competed at a single host venue over one week. The new format features home and away fixtures spread across three weekends in April and May.[2]
Each team plays three matches, with teams playing either two home fixtures and one away, or one home fixture and two away. This structure is designed to replicate the training week and travel elements of the senior Women's Six Nations Championship.[2]
Age eligibility
From 2026, teams are permitted to select up to five players aged 23 or under in their squads.[2][1]
Fixtures
Fixtures were announced in January 2026.[3]
Round 1
| 18 April 2026 TBC |
| Scotland | v | England |
| Edinburgh Rugby Stadium, Edinburgh Referee: Alexandre Ferre (France)[4] |
Round 2
Round 3
| 10 May 2026 TBC |
| Wales | v | Ireland |
| Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach Referee: Giana Viljoen (South Africa)[4] |
See also
- 2026 Women's Six Nations Championship
- 2026 Six Nations Under 20s Championship
- 2026 Six Nations Championship
References
- ^ a b c "New Women's U21 Six Nations Tournament Announced". Irish Rugby. 22 January 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ a b c "England's 2026 Six Nations Women's U21 series fixtures confirmed". England Rugby. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ "Big year for women's rugby to include new U21 competition". Six Nations Rugby. 22 January 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Match Officials Appointments | U21 Women's Six Nations Series 2026". World Rugby. Retrieved 16 February 2026.