WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS PREVIEW: England must keep Wales star Sisilia Tuipulotu quiet

England’s Six Nations Grand Slam bid is under serious threat in Cardiff on Saturday, with Simon Middleton’s side wary of being the latest victims of one of women’s rugby’s future stars.

With 19-year-old Sisilia Tuipulotu, Wales has a jewel of a talent in its hands. Whether Tuipulotu can help her party to a famous victory over their biggest rivals remains to be seen.

But there’s no doubt the Red Roses will know they’ll need to keep quiet the relative of England, Wales and Scotland’s gentleman stars Mako and Billy Vunipola, Taulupe Faletau and Sione Tuipulotu to win. Tuipulotu has been the star player in Wales’ back-to-back wins over Ireland and Scotland.

Now England, who are also undefeated, are next in line for a sold-out Cardiff Arms Park crowd.

“I first picked up a rugby ball when I was 16 at Hereford Sixth Form College,” says Tuipulotu, who is quiet and gentle off the pitch but terrifying on the pitch and has only just moved to the front row. ‘When I was younger I wasn’t allowed to play rugby. My parents were afraid I would get hurt. But when I was 16 I went against that decision and they’ve supported me ever since.

The 19-year-old scored one of her three Six Nations tries against Ireland in March

‘There are many men in my family who play rugby. That didn’t stop me. It encouraged me to push even harder. Knowing what they can do, I want to get better.

“I don’t think it was an easy road to get to where I am today. I learn every day.’

At just under six feet tall and nearly 18 stones, prop Tuipulotu is a formidable physical opponent. Ireland and Scotland have not been able to stop her.

She has so far scored three tries in two games in 2023.

England still remain strong favorites to win in the Welsh capital, but their opponents are improving rapidly after taking significant steps towards total professionalism.

A packed house will cheer on Ioan Cunningham’s Wales on Saturday. Head coach Cunningham has described Tuipulotu’s potential as ‘incredible’.

There is definitely more to come from her given her youth and the fact that she still only plays rugby as one of Wales’ part-time players as she studies for a degree in psychology at Gloucestershire University.

Tuipulotu’s cousin Carwyn is a No. 8 for the Scarlets and she has plenty of rugby talent in her family to learn from, not that she seems to need it.

Head coach Ioan Cunningham has praised Gloucester-Hartpury’s support as ‘incredible’

The Red Roses – pictured at training on Thursday – want to extend their unbeaten run

The team will have to do without Amy Cokayne, who will start for the armed forces instead

“There are many of us,” Tuipulotu smiled.

England head coach Middleton is without a try-scoring hooker serving Royal Air Force member Amy Cokayne against Wales. Cokayne instead plays for the armed forces.

“Wales have started the tournament strong and will be a tough challenge. Ioan has assembled a strong group that is constantly adapting to professionalism,” said Middleton. “It promises to be a great match. England against Wales is always a big party.

“It’s great to see Cardiff Arms Park sold out and it will create a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a challenge that I know the players will enjoy.’