The short version
- Canada defeated England 24-21 in Toronto, ending a 41-match unbeaten run for the Red Roses.
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the decisive try in the final minutes to complete the comeback.
- England faces another match against Canada this week before concluding their series against the USA.
The dominant era of England’s women’s rugby union team encountered a significant hurdle on Saturday, as Canada secured a 24-21 victory in Toronto. The result ended a remarkable 41-match unbeaten streak for the Red Roses, marking their first defeat since losing the World Cup final to New Zealand in November 2022. This loss also represents England’s first defeat by Canada since 2016 and their first loss on Canadian soil, having previously won eleven away matches against the hosts.
The match unfolded before a crowd of 18,621 spectators, setting a new record for attendance at a standalone women’s rugby fixture in North America. Canada capitalized early when Savannah Bauder scored in the 15th minute, taking advantage of a yellow card issued to England’s Zoe Harrison. Despite this early setback, England managed to build momentum and held a 14-5 lead at half-time. Maddie Feaunati and Harrison both crossed the try line late in the first period, while Canada’s Laetitia Royer was also sin-binned during the opening half.
The second half began with England maintaining control. Sarah Bern scored to counter a stylish solo effort by Alysha Corrigan, preserving a nine-point advantage for the visitors. However, Canada refused to yield. DaLeaka Menin crashed over for a converted try just after the hour mark, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a tense conclusion. The hosts’ defensive resilience had kept England off the scoreboard until the 32nd minute, highlighting a shift in tactical dynamics compared to previous encounters.
The decisive moment arrived with only three minutes remaining. A fumble put pressure on Harrison’s clearing kick, allowing Canada to mount an attack from halfway. Replacement player Shoshanah Seumanutafa charged down the left wing to score the match-winning try, completing a dramatic comeback. The error in handling by England’s fly-half provided the field position necessary for the hosts to secure the victory, underscoring the high stakes of individual mistakes in such a tightly contested game.
England head coach John Mitchell addressed the defeat with a focus on process rather than outcome. Noting that this was his first loss since taking charge in late 2023, Mitchell suggested the result might free the team to find greater depth in their performance. He emphasized that while disappointment exists, there were positive elements in the display that the squad could build upon moving forward.
Captain Meg Jones urged calm and unity within the squad, reminding players that they remain world champions and ranked number one globally. She acknowledged the target on their backs and the underdog mentality of opponents but insisted the team must respond quickly to setbacks. Jones highlighted the historical achievement of the group, suggesting they will be remembered as one of the best sporting teams despite this blemish.
This defeat follows a series of matches in September where England showed signs of vulnerability. They trailed at half-time against Australia for the first time since 2020 before securing a win, drew with Canada in Exeter, and narrowly defeated New Zealand at Twickenham. The pattern suggests that while England remains formidable, their invincibility has been tested repeatedly in recent months.
For Canada, the victory validates years of effort to close the gap on the world leaders. Captain De Goede had previously expressed frustration over being denied a win in their earlier draw with England, but this comprehensive performance showcased the team’s identity and resilience. Scrum-half Justine Pelletier noted that the win was about more than just the scoreline, citing the support of the home crowd and the collective effort on and off the pitch.
The rivalry will continue shortly as the two teams meet again in Ottawa on October 23. England will then conclude their 2026 WXV Global Series campaign with a match against the USA in New Jersey on October 30. These upcoming fixtures will provide immediate opportunities for both sides to assess their form and strategic adjustments following this pivotal result.
Several England players, including winger Jess Breach, had never experienced defeat in international competition prior to this match. The loss places the squad in uncharted territory, challenging them to adapt to a new reality where victory is not guaranteed. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this defeat serves as a wake-up call or merely an anomaly in their continued dominance.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗England's 41-match unbeaten run ended by Canada