England’s women retained the RBS Six Nations crown in style with a thumping 72-3 win over Scotland in the final match at London Welsh.

Gary Street’s side ran in 12 tries, with Worcester wing Katherine Merchant touching down four times and Saracens’ Charlotte Barras adding a hat-trick. England led 29-0 at half-time – and the visitors were left well and truly humiliated. Scotland’s only points came via a penalty from Sarah Gill.

England has now won four Six Nations titles in a row, and coach Street said: “This was a tremendous way to end the championship. We are delighted with today’s performance and four titles in succession is a wonderful achievement. Now we are looking forward to next year’s World Cup, when we will be hosts.”

But it is back to the drawing board for Scottish coach Jamie Dempsey. The only Six Nations win came against Italy – same as the men – and it means the team will have to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

England marched to the title with wins over Italy, Ireland, France and Scotland, with only Wales preventing the Grand Slam dream.