Canada’s national women’s rugby team ended England’s impressive 41-match unbeaten streak with a dramatic 24-21 victory in a WXV international match held at BMO Field in Toronto. The match, which took place in front of a record crowd of 18,621 spectators, saw Canada deliver a stellar performance to overcome the Red Roses, who had not lost a match since the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
England started the game strongly, taking advantage of their early opportunities and leading 14-5 at halftime, thanks to tries from Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison. However, a yellow card to Harrison opened the door for Canada, with Savannah Bauder scoring the opening try. After the break, Alysha Corrigan’s solo try brought Canada back into the game, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a tense second half.
Despite England’s Sarah Bern extending the lead, Canada continued to press forward. Effective forward movement and aggressive attacking play eventually paid off with DaLeaka Menin adding another crucial try. In a nail-biting finish, Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the decisive try in the closing minutes, securing a historic win for Canada and sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
England’s defeat marks a significant moment in international women’s rugby, as their dominance over the past four years has been challenged. Head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the setback but emphasized the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. He expressed confidence in England’s ability to bounce back from the loss.
The two teams will face off again next weekend, providing England with an immediate chance to reclaim their standing, while Canada will aim to build on their landmark victory. This upcoming match promises to be a compelling continuation of the rivalry, as both teams look to assert their prowess on the international stage.