Canada end the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run

A month after a 26-26 draw in Exeter, Canada found a way this time.

Savannah Bauder opened the scoring for Canada in the 15th minute while Zoe Harrison was in the sin-bin. Taking advantage of Laetitia Royer’s yellow card (29th), England scored twice through Maddie Feaunati (32nd) and Harrison (37th) to lead 14-5 at half-time. Alysha Corrigan revived Canada straight after the break (43rd), Sarah Bern hit back for England (46th), before DaLeaka Menin (63rd) and replacement Seumanutafa won it for Canada.

A four-year run

The Red Roses had not lost since the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand (34-31). In the meantime they had beaten Canada in the 2025 World Cup final (33-13). The game drew 18,621 fans to BMO Field, a record for a standalone women’s rugby game in North America.

We’re disappointed by the result but there was some very good things in our performance tonight.

John Mitchell, England head coach | RugbyPass

Mitchell looks for positives

“We’re disappointed by the result but there were some very good things in our performance tonight,” said England head coach John Mitchell, who believes the defeat can “free up” his squad.