Canada ended England’s 41-match unbeaten run in women’s international rugby with a 24-21 victory in Toronto on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the sport. England’s streak, which began in March 2023 and included a Grand Slam victory in the Women’s Six Nations, came to a close against their North American rivals in a tightly contested match.
The game saw both sides battling fiercely, with Canada ultimately overcoming England’s previous dominance. In their last meeting at Sandy Park in Exeter, the teams played to a 12-12 draw, with Canada opting for a cautious approach that prevented England from extending their winning streak. However, in Toronto, Canada pursued victory more assertively and delivered key plays that decided the match.
England had opportunities to secure a win, but handling errors and missed chances early in the game hindered their progress. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald’s knock-on in the opening minutes and Ellie Kildunne’s late first-half error were costly as England sought to widen their lead. Canada responded strongly in the second half, with Alysha Corrigan and DaLeaka Menin scoring tries to keep the pressure on England’s defense.
England managed to regain a lead after a try from Sarah Bern, but Canada’s resilience persisted. The decisive moment came late in the match when Shoshanah Seumanutafa broke through England’s defensive line to score the winning try. England’s defensive alignment was criticized for leaving too much space, allowing Canada to exploit a three-on-two overlap. Despite efforts from England substitutes, the defending tackle could not be completed.
Canada’s head coach Kévin Rouet received an emotional ovation from his players as they celebrated the win, their first over England since the beginning of the unbeaten streak. Canada’s captain Justine Pelletier noted that the victory was the result of years of preparation and belief that they could challenge England’s dominance.
England’s head coach John Mitchell reflected that the unbeaten run may have become a “burden” and suggested that the loss could free the team to discover new strengths. England captain Meg Jones highlighted the historic nature of the team’s achievements over the past four years, including their Rugby World Cup triumph on home soil last year, and stressed the importance of looking forward.
The two teams will meet again next week in Ottawa, setting the stage for a compelling rematch. Questions remain about how England will respond to their first defeat in more than a year, and whether Canada’s victory signals a shift in the balance of power in women’s rugby at the international level.