Canada beats England 24-21 to end 40-win and one-draw streak
Canada defeated England 24-21 in Toronto before a North American record crowd of 18,621 spectators at BMO Field, according to reports. The landmark result halts an era of dominance that began after the 2022 World Cup final, leaving England with a record of 40 wins and one draw over the past four years.
How Canada Sealed the Historic Upset
Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a try in the 78th minute to cap the comeback victory for third-ranked Canada. The match served as a high-stakes rematch of the 2025 World Cup final, which England won 33-13 before a record crowd at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Canada trailed 14-5 at halftime and 21-12 in the second half after tries from England’s Maddie Feaunati, Zoe Harrison, and Sarah Bern. However, persistent pressure and tries from Savannah Bauder, Alysha Corrigan, and DaLeaka Menin kept the hosts within striking distance before Seumanutafa broke through the corner flag in the dying moments.
The Structural and Tactical Shifts Behind the Result
Canada head coach Kevin Rouet and several of his players gain weekly experience competing in England’s Premier 15s (PWR), providing a high standard of professional training despite Canada lacking a domestic professional league. Meanwhile, England played without several veteran leaders, including injured captain Zoe Stratford, second rows Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan, back row Marlie Packer, and retired wing Abby Dow.
Locker Room Reactions and the Road to 2029
Speaking to The Guardian after the defeat, England head coach Mitchell noted that the loss provides necessary context for his squad. Canada captain Sophie de Goede, named the 2025 World Rugby women’s player of the year, highlighted the resilience of her squad after securing the program’s first win against England since July 2016. Both teams return to the pitch in Ottawa on Friday for the final fixture of their two-game series.
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