Canada beats England 24-21 in Toronto, ending the Red Roses' unbeaten run

A result that ends a long unbeaten run

Canada beat England 24-21 at BMO Field in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, ending England's unbeaten run in women's rugby. Reports count the streak as 40, 41 or 42 matches, depending on the outlet. England had last lost in November 2022, when New Zealand beat it 34-31 in the Women's Rugby World Cup final. It was Canada's first win over England since 2016 and its first in North America. Organisers said the 18,621 spectators were a North American record for a stand-alone women's match.

The two sides had already met this autumn. On 19 September at Exeter, Canada drew 26-26 with England, ending the Red Roses' 39-match winning streak in the WXV Global Series.

Warning signs and a 14-5 half-time lead

England had shown some warning signs before the Toronto match. In a trio of internationals last month, it trailed at half-time against Australia for the first time in six years, then won 48-15. It drew with Canada at Exeter and beat New Zealand 26-19 with a last-gasp score.

The Toronto match began with Savannah Bauder's try for Canada early in the first half, after Zoe Harrison was sin-binned and England were briefly down to 14 players. Maddie Feaunati and Harrison then scored for England, and the visitors led 14-5 at the break. Laetitia Royer was sent to the sin-bin for Canada in the first half.

Canada's comeback

After the interval, Alysha Corrigan scored a solo try for Canada and Sarah Bern replied for England. DaLeaka Menin crossed just after the hour mark to keep Canada in contention. Canada matched England's physicality and stood out with quick passing moves across the pitch.

With only a few minutes left, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, who came on as a replacement, finished a move down the left wing to score the winning try. Canada held on for the 24-21 win. Canada's captain Sophie de Goede said after the match that the team had to grind out the result.

There were lots of ups and downs throughout that game and we really had to grind it out and find a way.

England's response and what comes next

England captain Meg Jones said the side remained world champions and ranked number one, and she was proud of the unbeaten run. Jones also said the result was part of the sport's uncertainty.

Sometimes the flipped coin doesn't go on the side you want it to go.

Head coach John Mitchell said the defeat would let him learn more about his group. The two teams meet again in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October. England then closes its North America tour against the United States in New Jersey on Friday, 30 October. England are ranked first in the world and Canada third, behind England and New Zealand.