6 Nations to intro new innovations

The bunker system, instrumented mouthguards and the shot clock will be included in this year's Women's Six Nations for the first time, while players will also have their names on the back their shirts.

The bunker system offers the option to referees to refer incidents of foul play for review when a potential red card is not clear and obvious. This will be the first time it has ever been used in the women's game, ·and is seen as essential to help get the players and officials ready for using the technology during next year's World Cup.   

The shot clock, which will be visible in stadia and on broadcast, will give players 60 seconds to take a penalty, and 90 seconds for a conversion, while instrumented mouthguards are being brought into the competition to deliver in-game alerts as an indication for off field HIA1 assessments, as has been the case in the men's game for some time.

This year's competition standings will have a direct impact on 2024 WXV Qualification and the pathway for Six Nations teams to qualify for 2025 Rugby World Cup in England

England and France have already qualified for 2025 RWC courtesy of reaching the semi-finals of previous RWC played in New Zealand in 2022