England’s formidable winning streak in women’s rugby came to a halt as they drew 26-26 against Canada in the WXV competition. This result ended England’s 39-match consecutive victory run, although they remain unbeaten across 40 games.
The game, held against a determined Canadian side, saw England unable to secure a win for the first time since 2022. England’s Claudia MacDonald was instrumental, scoring two tries, while teammates Hannah Botterman and Bryony Field also managed to cross the line. In response, Canada showcased resilience, with Lizzie Gibson scoring and DaLeaka Menin adding two more tries to keep the contest fiercely competitive.
At the halfway mark, the teams were tied at 19-19. England briefly took the lead after the break through Field’s try, but Canada continued to press, eventually leveling the score. The match highlighted Canada’s ability to disrupt England’s typical wide-play strategies by effectively containing key player Ellie Kildunne and demonstrating strength at the breakdown.
This draw marked England’s first non-win against Canada on home soil, emphasizing the challenge posed by the Canadian team, who were finalists in the previous year’s World Cup. The result serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of international women’s rugby, with Canada proving they can match the reigning world champions.
Looking forward, England will aim to refine their strategies for upcoming WXV fixtures, while Canada can draw confidence from having ended the Red Roses’ long-standing winning streak.
