England have been crowned the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions for the third time after a commanding 33-13 victory over Canada at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, in front of a record-breaking home crowd of 81,885. The Red Roses delivered a performance that blended clinical discipline with signature attacking flair to seal a title they had pursued through two near-misses in recent finals.
Record crowd and early control
Ranked No. 1 in the world, England started with intent and built a first-half lead through two tries from Alex Matthews and a score from Ellie Kildunne, taking a 13-point advantage into the break. The tempo was ratcheted up by a relentless kicking game and efficient set-piece execution, with Canada’s resilience never in doubt but the Red Roses’ accuracy proving decisive as they extended their lead after the interval.
Matthews, Kildunne, Cokayne and Ward on target
Matthews crossed twice as she crowned a standout day with a second five-pointer in the second half. Kildunne, Amy Cokayne and Abbie Ward also crossed the line, contributing to a 33-point tally. A series of conversions added the extras, with Matthews’ late score effectively sealing the result as England widened the gap to 20 points and left Canada chasing the clock.
Sadia Kabeya named player of the match
The 23-year-old flanker was acknowledged for a dynamic performance on openside, cited by many as the engine room of England’s control. Kabeya reflected on the moment, saying: “It’s a pinch-me moment. It’s been years and years in the making, I am so happy we could pull it off.”
Ward’s emotional celebration and team unity
Abbie Ward spoke to broadcasters after the match, describing the moment as overwhelming: “Honestly as soon as the whistle went I just burst into tears. It’s truly been such a special day. A sold-out crowd at Twickenham. It’s amazing. The last final loss is behind us; this is a new chapter for women’s rugby.” The emotions underscored how far the squad had come and the magnitude of adding a world title to a growing list of domestic triumphs.
Reaction from leaders and fans
In a show of national pride, the Prince and Princess of Wales were among the first to congratulate the Red Roses, praising both teams for a memorable final and highlighting the importance of female sport. Prime Minister Keir Starmer added his commendation, saying the victory exemplified the best of England and could inspire a generation. London’s mayor also joined the chorus, posting about the moment after sharing the viewing experience with the Canadian Prime Minister via video link. The consensus was clear: the win would resonate beyond the boundary lines of Twickenham.
England’s title run and the broader context
Heading into the final, England were on a 32-game winning streak and had swept through the group stage with consistency, before overcoming Scotland and France in the knockout rounds. The victory marks England’s third Women’s Rugby World Cup title and their first since 2014, breaking a pattern of heartbreak in recent finals and signaling a new era of sustained success for the Red Roses.
Canada’s story and the funding backdrop
Canada, ranked second in the world, showed immense spirit and capability throughout the tournament, even as their path to England was not without financial hurdles. A crowdfunding campaign named Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025 raised nearly $1 million to support travel, training and other costs for the squad. The story underlined ongoing equity challenges in women’s sport and the solidarity that competitions like the World Cup can mobilize among nations and fans.
What this means for the sport
This victory cements England’s status at the pinnacle of women’s rugby and offers a platform for continued growth and investment in the sport. The win provides momentum for development programs, youth participation, and professional pathways that could shape the next generation of players. With the next World Cup on the horizon, English rugby will be under the spotlight as fans and rivals alike measure how this title transform the game on and off the field.
Looking ahead
As the Red Roses celebrate, attention turns to maintaining momentum and building a sustainable future for women’s rugby. The 2025 World Cup looms as both a challenge and an opportunity for countries around the world to apply the lessons learned in this final—about preparation, teamwork, and the power of a home crowd—to advance the sport to new heights.
