Overview: England seal a landmark win at Twickenham
England have been crowned the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions for the third time after a dominant 33-13 victory over Canada at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. The Red Roses, who started as the world number one, built a lead of 13 points by halftime and extended it to secure the victory in front of a record home crowd of 81,885. Two tries from Alex Matthews, along with scores from Ellie Kildunne, Amy Cokayne and Abbie Ward, laid the platform for a memorable Final.
Match highlights: a first-half surge and a controlled finish
England emerged ahead from the outset and controlled much of the first half, using a mix of ferocious defence and patient ball-in-hand rugby to keep Canada at bay. Matthews opened the scoring for England with a try, and another score from the young flanker helped push the lead towards two converted tries before the break. By the interval, England led by 13 points, a gap they would not relinquish as they weathered a spirited Canadian reply after halftime.
The turning points: Matthews and the decisive moment
A pivotal moment came when Matthews struck for a second time, reasserting England’s command and taking the score to 33 with a successful conversion to cap a flawless day for the Red Roses. Canada, ranked second in the world, pushed hard in the second half, but the English defence held firm and stifled several pressure spells before final whistles confirmed the result.
Team figures and performance notes
England’s roster showcased depth and cohesion across the forward pack and backline. Ward’s late try, alongside Conor Cokayne and Kildunne’s contributions, reflected a well-rounded performance that built on England’s ongoing success, including a long Six Nations unbeaten run and a string of World Cup group stage victories.
Reactions: dignitaries and the rugby community react
The match drew a wave of high-profile support. The Prince and Princess of Wales congratulated the Red Roses and praised Canada’s performance, stating that both teams should be proud of their tournaments. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commended the team for embodying the best of England and inspiring a generation. London Mayor Sadiq Khan later shared a photo with the Canadian Prime Minister following the final and lauded the moment for women’s rugby.
Included in the post-match reflections were comments from England’s players. Sadia Kabeya, named player of the match, described the moment as a pinch-me experience after years of hard work. Ward spoke emotionally about the sold-out Twickenham crowd and the sense of a new era for England’s women’s rugby. The atmosphere around Twickenham illustrated a pivotal moment for the sport, blending national pride with a celebration of women athletes.
The Canada story: funding and resilience on the road to Twickenham
Canada, ranked second globally, mounted a determined challenge in the final after a strong campaign that included a crowdfunding effort. The Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025 page raised nearly $1 million to cover costs of sending the team to England, underscoring the resilience and determination of Canada’s squad as they pursued a second World Cup final appearance.
What this win means for England and women’s rugby going forward
England’s victory seals a landmark era for the Red Roses, who completed a clean World Cup campaign and extended their domination in women’s rugby. The win ends an 11-year wait for the World Cup title and reinforces England’s position at the pinnacle of the sport. Beyond the trophy, the final further elevates visibility for women’s rugby, inspiring young players and supporters while attracting new fans to the game.
Key takeaways
- England clinches their third Women’s Rugby World Cup title with a 33-13 win over Canada.
- A record 81,885 fans attended the Final at Twickenham, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s rugby.
- Matthews’ two tries and the blend of youth and experience across the squad defined a team performance for the ages.
- Canada’s fundraising efforts highlight the ongoing challenges and dedication behind women’s international rugby.
