Reported by 2 sources

The short version

  • Canada defeated England 31-22 in Ottawa, securing a second straight victory and completing a series win.
  • Sophie de Goede scored three tries for the hosts, leading a dominant performance that ended England's long unbeaten run.
  • The Red Roses now travel to New Jersey to play the USA, aiming to prevent a third consecutive loss.

England’s women’s rugby team has endured a historic slump, suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time in ten years after falling to Canada in Ottawa. The 31-22 loss in the WXV Global Series marks a significant shift in momentum for the world champions, who had previously maintained an impressive record of consistency. This result follows a narrow 24-21 defeat in Toronto just one week prior, which initially snapped a 41-match unbeaten streak that had defined their recent dominance in international competition.

The victory in Ottawa solidified Canada’s position as the superior side in this series, completing a 2-0 sweep against the Red Roses. The two teams had previously shared a 26-26 draw in Exeter earlier in September, suggesting a closely contested rivalry that has now tipped decisively in favor of the Maple Leafs. By winning both matches in North America, Canada has demonstrated a level of depth and tactical execution that England struggled to match throughout the weekend.

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Captain Sophie de Goede was instrumental in Canada’s success, scoring a hat-trick of tries to lead her team’s attack. Her performance highlighted the hosts’ ability to capitalize on defensive errors and create scoring opportunities from various phases of play. De Goede’s third try came just after the hour mark, effectively sealing the game and putting Canada out of reach. Her leadership on the field was evident as she coordinated with teammates to break through England’s defensive lines repeatedly.

England began the match with promise, scoring early through Maddie Feaunati who crashed over from close range within the first ten minutes. This initial success suggested that the Red Roses might be able to turn their recent fortunes around. However, Canada responded quickly, with Julia Omokhuale leveling the score before Gabrielle Senft pounced on a loose ball to break down the left wing. Senft’s try, assisted by De Goede, gave Canada a 12-7 lead at halftime, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.

The second half saw England attempt to regain control through their driving maul, a traditional strength of their forward pack. Amy Cokayne scored from this set piece, walking in to give England hope of overturning the deficit. Zoe Harrison also contributed by kicking a penalty early in the half, keeping the scoreline tight for a brief period. Despite these efforts, Canada’s attack remained relentless, with De Goede restoring her side’s lead shortly after Cokayne’s try.

Savannah Bauder added another try for Canada, dancing down the left wing to extend their advantage and make the result secure. England managed only one more score in the final minutes, with Emma Sing crossing the line in the 80th minute for a consolation try. The late effort did little to change the outcome, as Canada had already established a comfortable lead that proved insurmountable in the closing stages of the match.

The implications of these losses are significant for England’s standing in international rugby. After losing multiple matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2016, the Red Roses face pressure to regroup and address the vulnerabilities exposed by Canada. The team must now focus on their upcoming fixture against the United States in New Jersey next Friday. Avoiding a third consecutive loss will be crucial, as such a streak has not occurred for England since 2013.

The WXV Series serves as a critical testing ground for teams preparing for larger tournaments, and Canada’s performance suggests they are emerging as serious contenders on the global stage. For England, the challenge lies in identifying whether these defeats are isolated incidents or symptoms of deeper issues within the squad. The upcoming match against the USA will provide further insight into the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.

As the series concludes, attention shifts to how both teams will adjust their strategies for future competitions. Canada’s victory reinforces their status as a rising force in women’s rugby, while England must reflect on what went wrong during these two matches. The contrast between their past dominance and current struggles highlights the competitive nature of the sport and the need for continuous adaptation.

With the series now complete, the focus turns to individual performances and team dynamics. De Goede’s hat-trick stands out as a key moment in Canada’s success, while England’s inability to maintain pressure throughout the match raises questions about their tactical approach. The coming weeks will be important for both sides as they prepare for subsequent fixtures and aim to build on their recent experiences.

Sources behind this briefing

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