Wales suffer record defeat to Italy to round off winless Six Nations campaign

Wales completed a miserable Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign with a record 44-12 defeat by Italy in Parma.

Wales, who lost all five of their matches for the first time in a Six Nations Championship, led 12-10 at half-time but conceded 34 unanswered points in a one-sided second half.

Kate Williams deservedly put Wales ahead with a try inside the first ten minutes after relentless early pressure, but a converted try from Sofia Stefan and a penalty from Michela Sillari gave the hosts the advantage.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Wales snatched the lead back just before the interval when prop Gwenllian Pyrs forced her way over, with Keira Bevan adding the conversion.

However, it did not take long for things to change in the second half, with a Sillari penalty nudging Italy back in front in the 49th minute, and from there it was one way traffic and things quickly went downhill for the visitors.

Tries from Francesca Granzotto, Silvia Turani and Vittoria Minuzzi secured the bonus point on 60 minutes, and Granzotto added a second before Aura Muzzo concluded the scoring after Natalia John had been sin-binned for a high tackle.

This will be a day to forget for Sean Lynn and his charges. The new head coach asked for an 80-minute performance from his team after heavy defeat against Ireland last week, but only got 40.

As reflected in the men’s game, a dismal Six Nations Championship for Wales with plenty to work on ahead of the summer tour to Australia and the World Cup in August.