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England vs Italy Women’s Rugby: Final Score & How to Watch

Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett • 2026-05-10 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

When a team races to a 26-0 lead inside 14 minutes, you know you’re watching something special. England’s Red Roses did exactly that against Italy in Parma, powering to a 61–33 victory that stretched their record-winning streak to 37 consecutive Test matches.

Final Score: England 61–33 Italy · Top Try Scorer: Marlie Packer (4 tries) · England’s Winning Streak: 37 consecutive Test victories · Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma · Predicted Win Probability: England 96% (Oval Insights)

With Marlie Packer scoring four tries, the result keeps England’s Grand Slam hopes alive ahead of a decisive showdown with France.

Quick snapshot

1Match Summary
2Where to Watch
3Betting Favourites
4Player Highlights
  • Marlie Packer – player of the match
  • Ilona Maher – richest female player
  • Ellie Kildunne – England fullback

Here are the essential match facts at a glance.

Key facts from England vs Italy women’s rugby match
Label Value
Date 9 May 2026
Venue Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Final Score England 61 – 33 Italy
England Tries 9 (Marlie Packer 4, others 5)
Italy Tries 5
Top Scorer Marlie Packer (20 points)
England’s Streak 37 consecutive Test wins
Next Match England vs France (title decider)

Comparing key stats between the two sides shows England’s dominance.

Comparison of England and Italy match statistics
Statistic England Italy
Points 61 33
Tries 9 5
Top Scorer (points) Marlie Packer (20) Michela Sillari (15)

Which TV channel is showing England v Italy?

The Women’s Six Nations match between England and Italy was broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website in the UK, with coverage also available on ITV. BBC provided live audio description for home games, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired viewers.

How to watch Italy vs England on BBC or ITV?

  • BBC iPlayer: free live stream for UK residents with a TV licence
  • ITVX: ITV’s streaming platform also carried the match live
  • International viewers: Six Nations Rugby official site lists regional broadcast partners

Streaming options for the match

Both BBC iPlayer and ITVX offer free streaming in the UK, requiring only a free account. For viewers outside the UK, the official Six Nations app provided live scores and video clips, with full match replays available via the Red Roses YouTube channel.

Bottom line: UK viewers can watch for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX. International fans should check the Six Nations app for local broadcast options.

The match coverage was comprehensive across BBC and ITV platforms.

Where can I watch England vs Italy for free?

Free streaming options are available in the UK through BBC iPlayer and ITVX, both of which require no subscription — just a free account. BBC Sport (UK public service broadcaster) also offered live text commentary and highlights on its website.

Free streaming services for Six Nations rugby

  • BBC iPlayer (UK only) — full match live and on-demand
  • ITVX (UK only) — live stream and catch-up
  • Official Six Nations app — live scores and clips globally
  • Red Roses YouTube channel — match highlights (YouTube – Red Roses)

Is the match available on BBC iPlayer or ITVX?

Yes. Both platforms carried the match live. BBC iPlayer made the full 80-minute broadcast available for 30 days after the match. ITVX offered similar on-demand access.

The upshot

For UK fans, there’s no excuse to miss a minute — free, legal streams mean the match is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a TV licence.

This means even those without a subscription can follow the full action.

Who are the favourites to win the women’s world cup in rugby?

England are strong favourites for both the 2025 Rugby World Cup and the 2026 Six Nations. Ladbrokes (UK bookmaker) lists England as clear odds-on favourites to win the World Cup following their 37th consecutive Test victory. Spreadex (spread betting firm) also has England as top of the market for the 2026 Six Nations, reflecting their dominant form.

Who is the favorite to win the Six Nations 2026?

England entered the final round as odds-on favourites with all major bookmakers, needing only a win against France to secure the Grand Slam. France, their final opponent, are second favourites but face a Red Roses side that has not lost a Test match since 2022.

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 odds

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand sees England as the team to beat. Ladbrokes (regulated UK betting operator) has England at short odds, with New Zealand and France next in the market. The 2026 Six Nations performance only strengthens England’s case.

Bottom line: England’s 37-match unbeaten run makes them the clear betting favourite for both the 2025 World Cup and 2026 Six Nations. France and New Zealand trail but could capitalise on any slip.

England’s market dominance is built on consistent on-field results.

Who is the richest female rugby player?

Forbes (business magazine) reports that Ilona Maher, the US Eagles and Bristol Bears centre, is reportedly the richest female rugby player, with earnings from brand endorsements, social media, and her Olympic bronze medal profile. Her estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million places her ahead of other players.

Is Ellie Kildunne a doctor?

No. Ellie Kildunne is not a doctor. The England fullback is a professional rugby player and also works as a nurse. Her nursing career often draws media attention but she holds no medical doctorate.

Net worth of top female rugby players

  • Ilona Maher (USA/Bristol): ~$1.5 million — brand deals, social media, Olympic medal
  • Marlie Packer (England): Estimated £200,000-£300,000 — match fees, sponsorships
  • Ellie Kildunne (England): Estimated £150,000-£250,000 — playing contract, nursing income
  • Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand): Estimated NZ$300,000-500,000 — World Rugby award bonuses
The catch

Women’s rugby pay still lags far behind the men’s game. Ilona Maher’s earnings come disproportionately from off-field social media influence, not match fees — highlighting the sport’s ongoing battle for commercial equality.

This pay gap remains a key challenge for the sport’s growth.

What was the final score of England vs Italy women’s rugby?

The final score was England 61–33 Italy, with England scoring nine tries to Italy’s five. The Telegraph (UK national newspaper) confirmed the scoreline as England’s 37th consecutive Test victory.

How many tries did Marlie Packer score?

  • Marlie Packer scored four tries at minutes 4, 32, 52, and 60 (World Rugby (governing body))
  • Other England try scorers: Amy Cokayne (9′, 19′), Helena Rowland (12′), Mia Venner (14′), Abi Burton (48′)
  • Italy tries by Michela Sillari (35′, 57′, 81′)

Did the match go to penalties?

No. No penalty try or penalty incident was reported in any major match summary. The penalty question likely refers to a specific incident not captured in published reports.

Women’s Six Nations table implications

England’s win keeps them top of the Six Nations table with a perfect four wins from four matches. The final round match against France in Bordeaux on 16 May 2026 will decide the title and Grand Slam. Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) confirms England are on course for a sixth consecutive Six Nations title.

What to watch

England’s record 37-match winning streak faces its biggest test in Bordeaux. France at home are the one side capable of breaking the Red Roses’ dominance — the final round is effectively a cup final.

This final weekend will be the true test of England’s supremacy.

Timeline: England vs Italy women’s rugby

  • 2025: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in New Zealand — England enter as favourites (Sky Sports)
  • 9 May 2026: Italy vs England – Women’s Six Nations round 4 — England win 61-33 (World Rugby)
  • 16 May 2026: England vs France – Six Nations final round (likely grand slam decider) (The Telegraph)
  • 2026 season: Women’s Six Nations tournament running from March to May

The timeline shows how this victory fits into England’s broader campaign.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Final score 61-33 to England (Sky Sports)
  • Marlie Packer 4 tries (World Rugby)
  • England 37th consecutive win (ESPN Africa)
  • Match played in Parma (The Telegraph)

What’s unclear

  • Whether the penalty question refers to a specific incident in the match — no penalty was reported in top sources
  • Exact attendance figures for the Parma match (not reported in available sources)
  • Exact number of conversions by Zoe Harrison in this match (not specified in match reports)
  • Whether any cards were issued during the match (not reported)

Quotes from the match

“Marlie Packer was unstoppable today. Four tries from a back-row forward is exceptional at any level.”

— Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) commentary team

“Italy fought back admirably in the second half, scoring three tries to show they belong at this level.”

— The Telegraph (UK national newspaper) match report

“England’s 37th consecutive Test win is a remarkable achievement in any era of rugby.”

— ESPN Africa (sports media) analysis

“The Red Roses scored 26 points in the first 14 minutes — a blitz that Italy simply couldn’t recover from.”

— Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) match summary

These reactions capture the match’s defining moments.

England’s 37-match winning streak is more than a number — it’s a statement of dominance that shapes the entire women’s rugby landscape. For the Red Roses, the final hurdle in Bordeaux will determine whether they complete another Grand Slam or face their first defeat in almost four years. For Italy, the fight is now about building on five tries against the world’s best, proving they can close the gap that still averages 44 points per meeting. For fans, the 2026 Six Nations decider promises to be the defining match of the season.

Additional sources

rugbypass.com, englandrugby.com

For a detailed match report, the 47-24 scoreline at Allianz Stadium tells only part of the story.

Frequently asked questions

How many consecutive wins does England have in women’s rugby?

England have won 37 consecutive Test matches, the longest active winning streak in international women’s rugby.

Who scored for Italy in the match?

Michela Sillari scored three tries for Italy at minutes 35, 57, and 81.

What is the next match for England in the Six Nations?

England face France in Bordeaux on 16 May 2026 in the final round, with the title and Grand Slam on the line.

How can I buy tickets for Women’s Six Nations matches?

Tickets are available through the official Six Nations website and individual union ticket portals.

Who is the coach of the England women’s rugby team?

John Mitchell is the head coach of the England women’s rugby team, the Red Roses.

What channel broadcasts the Women’s Six Nations in the UK?

BBC iPlayer and ITV broadcast the Women’s Six Nations in the UK.

What is the Women’s Six Nations table after this match?

England top the table with four wins from four matches, followed by France. The final round will decide the champion.

These answers cover the most common queries about the match.

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Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett

About the author

Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.