Six Nations Women’s Summer Series returns to spotlight future rugby stars

Hosted in Wales at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, the tournament will run across three match days - Saturday 5th July, Friday 11th July, and Thursday 17th July - bringing together each of the Six Nations' unions and federations in a high-level development environment.

Aimed at accelerating the growth of future international talent, the Women’s Summer Series features predominantly Under-20 players, with each nation permitted to include up to five Under-23 players per match-day squad. The competition provides a platform not only for players but also for coaches and match officials to gain valuable experience in a cross-union setting.

The inaugural Summer Series in 2024, held in Italy, proved a major success, with 14 players progressing to senior honours in the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Notable names include England's Lilli Ives Campion, Wales’s Maisie Davies and Alaw Pyrs, Italy’s Alia Antonietta Bitonci, and Scotland’s Molly Poolman – all of whom earned full international caps within a year of featuring in the summer event.

This success underscores the importance of the Summer Series within the wider development pathway, complementing the momentum already seen through the Under-18 Women’s Six Nations Festivals. By providing a competitive platform for emerging talent, the tournament is a clear example of the long-term commitment to the women’s game shared by Six Nations Rugby and its unions and federations.

Julie Paterson, Chief of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, highlighted the importance of the series in driving sustainable growth in the game:

“The Women’s Summer Series is an essential part of the strategy and commitment of Six Nations Rugby, and the six unions and federations, to proactively support the creation and growth of opportunities in the women’s game.

"The Women’s Summer Series is a continuation of the international pathway for players, coaches and match officials which starts through the U18’s Women’s Six Nations Festivals and provides a competitive and successful development platform for these players to gain vital experience on the international stage.

"It's a huge positive for the game that, over the last 12 months, 14 players who attended the inaugural series in Italy last year have gone on to achieve senior international honours at the highest level of women’s rugby.”

In line with Six Nations Rugby’s mission to grow the women’s game and engage fans across all levels, every match of the 2025 Women’s Summer Series will be streamed live on Six Nations Rugby digital channels, including the Six Nations Under-20 YouTube channel and associated social media platforms.