Historic triumph for England’s Red Roses
England sealed a historic third Women’s Rugby World Cup title with a dominant 33-13 victory over Canada at Twickenham. The Red Roses, ranked number one, produced a polished display to cap off a flawless World Cup campaign, following a 32-game unbeaten run that included the Six Nations title.
Record crowd fuels a winning display
The final was played in front of a record-breaking home crowd of 81,885 at the Allianz Stadium, a moment described by players as electric and unforgettable. The atmosphere provided a fitting stage for England to cement their place atop women’s international rugby as they raced into a 13-point lead by halftime.
Tries that set the tone
England’s try tally came from five players as they outscored Canada in a composed display. Alex Matthews touched down twice, while Ellie Kildunne, Amy Cokayne and Abbie Ward each crossed for a try apiece. A conversion in the second half pushed England to 33 and effectively ended Canada’s bid to close the gap.
Canada’s fight and England’s finishing
Canada, ranked second in the world, fought bravely in the second half, showing real resilience and tactical discipline. But England’s defense and a key second try from Matthews halted any sustained Maple Leafs pressure and ensured the Red Roses could enjoy a comfortable margin heading into the final minutes.
Reactions from leaders and players
Among those quick to praise the teams were the Prince and Princess of Wales, who commended both sides for a display of skill and sportsmanship: “You had an outstanding tournament. Both teams should be so proud!” Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that England’s success would inspire a generation. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, shared a photo of him with Canada’s Prime Minister after the game as they celebrated a “proud moment for women’s rugby.”
On the field, Sadia Kabeya, named player of the match at 23, called the moment a “pinch me moment,” acknowledging years of hard work and sacrifice. Ward, overcome with emotion, said the experience had transformed her and her teammates: “This is a new chapter for women’s rugby.”
Canada’s journey and the sport’s growth
The final highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s rugby. Canada’s side had inspired supporters with a bold run in the tournament, though off-field funding highlighted challenges for broader participation. A crowdfunding initiative, Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025, raised nearly $1 million to cover travel costs and expand access to the sport on the path to the next World Cup.
What this means for English rugby
England’s victory marks their first World Cup triumph since 2013, ending a run of finals heartbreak in 2017 and 2022. The win reinforces England’s status as a global powerhouse and signals a turning point for the women’s game, both at the senior level and in the next generation of players waiting to carry the banner forward. The atmosphere at Twickenham underscored the growing support for women’s rugby, with a sold-out stadium and a standing ovation for two teams that have helped redefine the sport.
