Summary

  • England win Grand Slam decider at Twickenham in front of 58,498 record women's crowd

  • England lead 33-0 at half-time after ruthless five-try display

  • France responded with five second-half tries

  • Lark Davies try ensures England win fifth successive Six Nations

  • Head coach Simon Middleton's final match in charge

  1. Goodbyepublished at 15:39 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    Well, that's it from England in this Six Nations, it's been a fantastic achievement but incredibly entertaining as well, with France almost making an incredible comeback.

    Simon Middleton can look back with some pride, and the feeling is that there is more to come from this England squad.

    England at Twickenham parade around the pitchImage source, Getty Images
  2. 'You live for moments like this'published at 15:31 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    England head coach Simon Middleton on his final match in charge of the team:

    "You couldn't wish for more than this. It's been an honour and privilege to do this job. I have been very lucky.

    "The girls should be massively proud of what they are doing. I am so proud.

    "To produce a game like that on a stage like this is everything that is good about the game. It's been incredible. It's a great learning experience that second half and they will continue to grow.

    "This game has given me more than I've ever dreamed of. It's been an exceptional day that I will never forget.

    "You live for moments like lifting the trophy. They (the team) deserve all the success they get."

    Simon MiddletonImage source, Getty Images
  3. England win the Grand Slampublished at 15:26 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    What a great moment for Simon Middleton!

    "I've been so nervous all week, but I don't know why because the girls always deliver," he tells Gabby Logan.

    Simon MiddletonImage source, Getty Images
  4. Postpublished at 15:24 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    England flanker Sadia Kabeya praises head coach Simon Middleton on BBC Two:

    "Simon is very level-headed and always has his eye on the prize and the most important thing was getting the result.

    "He's keeping his emotions in check right now and taking in this amazing occasion but I'm sure there will be lots of emotion later."

  5. 'We are on the road to 2025'published at 15:23 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    Marlie Packer speaking on BBC 2: "I just hope the girls have enjoyed this experience because Twickenham is amazing right now. It is just a special day, and we are on the road to 2025. We want to sell out in 2025 and win that World Cup.

    Marlie PackerImage source, Getty Images
  6. England win the Grand Slampublished at 15:16 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    France kept it going right to the end, didn't they?

    Media caption,

    Banet scores France's fifth try in the last minute

  7. 'An amazing day at Twickenham'published at 15:12 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    Player of the match Sadia Kabeya on BBC Two: "It's been an absolutely amazing tournament and today we got the result in front of an amazing crowd. It's been an amazing day at Twickenham.

    "It was definitely a game of two halves but we stuck to it and our gameplan.

    "The only way is up for us. With the plyers we have coming through, the sky is the limit."

  8. 'We are so proud and grateful to Simon'published at 15:10 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    England skipper Marlie Packer speaking to BBC Two: "I am super proud, the whole squad in this Six Nations has got us to where we are today and it is amazing.

    "We knew they would be tough, they played to the 80th minute and kept asking questions of us so credit to them.

    "Simon's team talk just then had me in tears. He has been amazing for what he has done for women's rugby."

  9. Postpublished at 15:10 British Summer Time 29 April 2023
    Breaking

    FT: England 38-33 France

    There it is - Marlie Packer lifts the trophy high into the air.

    England are Grand Slam champions once again!

    Let the party begin...

    Marlie PackerImage source, Getty Images
  10. Postpublished at 15:08 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    Here comes former captain Sarah Hunter on to the pitch with the shiny new tournament trophy.

  11. England win the Grand Slampublished at 15:06 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    There's a nice scene as some of the French side congratulate Simon Middleton. He looks like the occasion has really hit home - whoever replaces him has big boots to fill.

  12. England win the Grand Slampublished at 15:03 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    Maggie Alphonsi
    2014 England World Cup winner on BBC Two

    England came out like a boxer, with all the punches, made the big hits and in the second half they took the big hits

  13. England win the Grand Slampublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    They stage that the Sugababes graced is wheeled out for the trophy lift, which won't be long now.

    Simon Middleton is all smiles and is out with his team for the last time.

  14. England win the Grand Slampublished at 14:59 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    Red Roses
  15. Postpublished at 14:58 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    FT: England 38-33 France

    Katy Daley-Mclean
    Former England captain on BBC Two

    England deserve this and it is great for Simon to go out this way, he has been a stalwart and has changed the women's game.

  16. Postpublished at 14:57 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    England 38-33 France

    Sara Orchard
    Rugby union commentator on BBC Two

    What could have been if France had turned up at Twickenham just a little bit earlier?

  17. Full-time - England 38-33 Francepublished at 14:57 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    What a game!

    England have won the Grand Slam but France ran them close after a spirited second half fightback.

  18. try

    Converted Try - England 38-33 Francepublished at 79 mins

    Cyrielle Banet (con Jessy Tremouliere)

    What is happening?!

    Cyrielle Banet scores France's fifth try with the clock ticking down.

    They should have not taken the conversion and forced England to restart with seconds on the clock but they don't act quickly enough.

    Jessy Tremouliere successfully kicks the conversion and France close the gap.

    Media caption,

    Banet scores France's fifth try in the last minute

  19. Postpublished at 78 mins

    England 38-26 France

    France are nearly in again but Carla Arbez spurns the chance.

    That should be their last chance to salvage something from the game. The party is about to begin at Twickenham.

  20. Postpublished at 14:52 British Summer Time 29 April 2023

    England 38-26 France

    Brian Moore
    Former England hooker on BBC Two

    They are showing huge character, it would have been easy for their heads to go down and they deserve a lot of credit.