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England secure emphatic Rugby World Cup triumph over Canada
Women’s Rugby World Cup final
Canada (8) 13
Tries: Hogan-Rochester 2 Pen: De Goede
England (21) 33
Tries: Kildunne, Cokayne, Matthews 2, Ward Cons: Harrison 4
England delivered a commanding performance to defeat Canada at Twickenham, claiming their third Women’s Rugby World Cup title.
Before a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 for a women’s rugby match, the Red Roses exorcised the ghosts of their previous two final defeats to New Zealand with a composed display, underpinned by forward dominance and resilient defense.
The loss to the Black Ferns in the previous World Cup final three years prior remains England’s last defeat, extending their unprecedented winning streak to 33 games.
After conceding an early try to Canada’s winger Asia Hogan-Rochester, the tournament favorites responded swiftly through a sensational solo effort from Ellie Kildunne.
Tries from hooker Amy Cokayne and number eight Alex Matthews established control for John Mitchell’s side, while Sophie de Goede’s penalty kept Canada within striking distance.
Abbie Ward scored the first try of the second half, before Hogan-Rochester secured her second of the match.
However, Matthews’ second try, following a period of staunch defense, sealed the victory for the Red Roses.
Canada, entering the final close to achieving their million-dollar fundraising target, ‘Mission: Win Rugby World Cup’ – aimed at enabling them to compete with better-funded teams – had convincingly defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals and arguably played the tournament’s most impressive rugby.
Yet, on the grandest stage, Mitchell’s team outplayed the world’s second-ranked side to become world champions for the first time since 2014 – also against Canada.
The result marks a memorable year for women’s sport in England, following the Lionesses’ retention of their European title at Euro 2025 in July.
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Red Roses lift the Rugby World Cup trophy
In their semi-final, Canada dominated New Zealand in the first half, and another impressive start by head coach Kevin Rouet’s team saw Hogan-Rochester score in the corner after skillful handling.
However, Kildunne swiftly lifted the mood with a dazzling run, evading defenders to add another superb try to her collection.
England’s star player and outgoing World Rugby Player of the Year instigated a momentum shift that Mitchell’s side seized.
Mitchell emphasized this week that effective rugby is paramount in a World Cup pursuit. Cokayne’s try from a driving maul contrasted in style with the first try but was equally significant.
With the home crowd’s support, Matthews scored after further scrum dominance, as simple and effective rugby continued to yield success.
Equally effective in the first half was the hosts’ defense, exemplified by captain Zoe Aldcroft’s steal on her own tryline.
A final first-half surge of support greeted a turnover from prop Hannah Botterman. England were excellent, efficient, and managed the occasion’s emotions well.
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Tattoos, forfeit hairstyles and Channing Tatum – inside Red Roses’ winning camp
Rugby Union Weekly: England beat Canada to win the World Cup
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Head coach Mitchell praises ‘phenomenal’ England performance
Lock Ward – one of seven surviving starters from the crushing final defeat three years ago – powered over for a crucial early second-half score.
The Red Roses’ previous record 30-game winning streak ended in the last World Cup final.
And if England needed any reminder that pre-tournament dominance does not guarantee a World Cup victory, Hogan-Rochester’s second sharp finish would have surely provided it.
But Mitchell – a former men’s New Zealand head coach – was appointed two years ago to instill a winning mentality in finals rugby.
His side were not always at their best during the tournament but peaked on the crucial day, delivering what had been lacking.
Matthews’ World Cup-sealing try, following aggressive defense to deny Canada a route back into the game, illustrated that winning mindset.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft recalled this week hugging centre Tatyana Heard and crying at full-time in the last World Cup final.
Three years on, Aldcroft lifted the World Cup in triumph.
England’s Mitchell named women’s coach of year
Recap: How jubilant England beat Canada to win World Cup
Replacement Sarah Bern holds up the World Cup
The England team join BBC’s Gabby Logan
Zoe Aldcroft takes the World Cup to her family
Ellie Kildunne starred in the semi-final and final after missing the quarter-final with concussion
Hannah Botterman was one of England’s standout performers at the World Cup
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland.
Canada: Schell; Corrigan, Symonds, Tessier (capt), Hogan-Rochester; Perry, Pelletier; Hunt, Tuttosi, Menin, De Goede, O’Donnell, Crossley, Paquin, Forteza.
Replacements: Boag, Kassil, Demerchant, Beukeboom, Royer, Senft, Apps, Seumenutafa.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa) and Clara Munarini (Italy)
Television match official: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
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