Canada shattered England’s 41-match unbeaten streak with a dramatic 24-21 victory in the WXV women’s rugby international, held at BMO Field in Toronto. The match, attended by a record crowd of 18,621 spectators, saw Canada deliver a determined performance, marking a significant achievement against a team that had not lost since the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
England initially took the lead, building a 14-5 advantage by half-time, thanks to scores from Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison. However, their momentum was disrupted when Harrison received a yellow card, allowing Canada to capitalize with Savannah Bauder scoring the opening try.
In the second half, Canada mounted a strong comeback with Alysha Corrigan’s solo try reducing the deficit. Despite Sarah Bern’s response for England, Canada’s relentless pressure and effective forward play kept them in contention. DaLeaka Menin’s crucial try intensified the contest, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Shoshanah Seumanutafa’s decisive try in the closing minutes secured Canada’s 24-21 lead, a scoreline they managed to maintain until the final whistle, igniting celebrations among players and fans alike. This victory served as a form of redemption for Canada following their previous defeat to England in the World Cup final.
England’s head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the loss as a learning opportunity, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to respond. The defeat marks a turning point for the Red Roses, who have dominated international women’s rugby for the past four years.
The two teams are set to meet again next weekend, providing England with a chance to recover and Canada the opportunity to consolidate their historic performance.