Canada’s recent triumph over England marks a significant shift in women’s rugby.

On Friday, the team delivered a stunning 31-22 victory, ending England’s unbeaten run and securing back-to-back wins against the Red Roses for the first time in a decade. This performance sends a strong message to the world rugby community, positioning Canada as serious contenders for the 2029 World Cup.

Sophie de Goede, the reigning world player of the year, showcased her prowess with a hat-trick and strong defensive plays, while Julie Omokhuale also shone brightly in a cohesive team effort. The match took place on a chilly night in Ottawa, where Canada played with remarkable freedom and pace, ultimately outclassing England once again.

For the Red Roses, the match highlighted their struggles to respond after a record-ending defeat. They started strong but soon faltered, leading to a scrappy performance. Meg Jones, the captain, turned 30 on match day and excelled defensively, while Maddie Feaunati performed well in her hour on the pitch. Despite this loss being their third in 74 matches, it raised concerns within the team.

The match began with intense physicality, and Canada’s solid defensive strategy kept England at bay for a significant period. A series of unfortunate errors for England, including a knock-on by Zoe Harrison, allowed Canada to capitalize and extend their lead to 12-7 at halftime.

In the second half, England aimed to regroup, scoring through Amy Cokayne. However, Canada quickly responded, with De Goede completing her hat-trick. England managed a consolation score from Emma Sing, but Canada’s victory was sealed with a final score.

As Canada celebrates this monumental win, they look forward to upcoming matches in the Pacific Four tournament in 2027. Meanwhile, England prepares for their final WXV match against the USA, determined to make a strong comeback after this unexpected setback.