The England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, extended their unbeaten streak to four years and 40 matches with a 26-26 draw against Canada in Exeter, marking a significant moment in the evolution of the sport. While England remains the dominant force in women’s international rugby, this closely contested result, alongside other recent outcomes in the WXV Global Series, reflects increasing competitiveness as the sport enters a new phase of growth.
Women’s international rugby has undergone notable changes over the past four decades. The earliest period, from 1982 until 2019, was characterized by limited spectator interest and New Zealand often prevailing over England in important matches. Over the last seven years, England’s move to professionalism has transformed the landscape. The Red Roses have recorded only a single defeat in 71 Tests during this period, accompanied by rising attendance, including regular sellouts at smaller venues and commanding performances at Twickenham Stadium. Competitively, only Canada, France and New Zealand have posed any significant challenge.
Despite dominating the sport, the Red Roses have not dampened its growth, setting high standards both on and off the field, and attracting larger crowds than many other nations. However, growing global rivalry is seen as essential to captivate wider audiences and sustain the next phase of development. The Exeter draw demonstrated this, with viewer numbers spiking on the BBC website as the match reached a dramatic climax. Canada captain Sophie de Goede highlighted the importance of rivalry in sports popularity, citing examples such as the NBA’s Lakers-Celtics and Michael Jordan’s battles with the Detroit Pistons as catalysts for wider interest.
Elsewhere in the WXV Global Series, New Zealand’s Black Ferns showed signs of resurgence through victories in France and Scotland following their World Cup semi-final exit last year. Australia has also mounted strong challenges, leading France and England early in recent matches before narrow defeats. Wales delivered an emphatic 50-19 win over South Africa in Cardiff, demonstrating renewed strength despite a lower world ranking.
Reflecting on the progress since Canada’s 50-24 defeat to England in Exeter three years prior, Canada head coach Kevin Rouet noted the growth in attendance and enthusiasm, emphasizing the need to replicate similar support in Canada. The upcoming second and third Tests between England and Canada, scheduled for October in Toronto and Ottawa, are expected to draw record crowds, with over 11,500 spectators anticipated in Toronto—a potential milestone for standalone women’s rugby matches in North America.
The Red Roses are set to face the Black Ferns at Twickenham this Saturday, an encounter now carrying heightened anticipation as the possibility of an upset becomes more tangible.