Canada stunned England by ending their 41-match unbeaten streak with a dramatic 24-21 victory during the WXV Global Series in Toronto. The game featured a record crowd of 18,621 fans, setting a new attendance milestone for a standalone women’s rugby fixture in North America.
England, who had remained undefeated since November 2022, had previously held a remarkable winning run and had dominated Canada in away fixtures. But Canada’s late rally, capped by a try from Shoshanah Seumanutafa, sealed the win on Canadian soil for the first time since 2016.
Key Moments from the Match
The scoring opened in the 15th minute when Canada’s Savannah Bauder took advantage of a yellow card shown to England’s Zoe Harrison. Despite this early setback for England, the visitors responded strongly, leading 14-5 at halftime with tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison, while Canada’s Laetitia Royer served time in the sin bin.
Early in the second half, Canada’s Alysha Corrigan scored a solo try, but Sarah Bern quickly countered to maintain England’s lead. The game intensified after DaLeaka Menin crossed for a converted try for Canada just after the hour mark, narrowing England’s margin and setting up a gripping finish.
Historic Win and Future Fixtures
Canada’s victory marks their first against England on home ground and their first win over the Red Roses since 2016. It also echoes their role in earlier breaking England’s 39-match winning streak with a draw in Exeter this September.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on October 23 in Ottawa before England concludes their WXV Global Series campaign against the United States on October 30 in New Jersey.
