England’s impressive run of 39 consecutive victories in women’s rugby came to an end as they drew 26-26 with Canada in their WXV clash. The match, held against the backdrop of England’s unbeaten 40-Test streak, marked the first time since 2022 that the Red Roses failed to secure a win.
The closely contested game saw England’s Claudia MacDonald leading with two tries, supported by scores from Hannah Botterman and Bryony Field. However, Canada remained resilient, with Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin, who scored twice, keeping the pressure on England’s defense throughout the match. The teams were evenly matched by halftime, with the score tied at 19-19.
In the second half, Field’s try briefly put England ahead, but Canada’s persistent attacks culminated in a draw, signaling a strong performance from the Canadian side. This result disrupted England’s perfect home record against Canada and posed a significant challenge for the reigning world champions.
Canada’s strategic play effectively limited England’s wide opportunities, especially curbing the impact of Ellie Kildunne. Their physical approach and dominance at the breakdown demonstrated that Canada, finalists in the last World Cup, remains a formidable force in women’s rugby.
Looking forward, England will focus on refining their strategies for upcoming WXV fixtures, while Canada takes confidence from this performance, having successfully halted the Red Roses’ historic winning streak.