Rugby Union Match Report | England 33 - 13 Canada
England crowned world champions after a commanding win over Canada.
Red Roses claim third World Cup with record-breaking victory before 81,885 fans.
Author | Sophie T
Stadium | Twickenham
In front of a record crowd of 81,885, the Red Roses banished the memories of back-to-back final defeats to New Zealand with a display built on forward dominance and relentless defence. The loss to the Black Ferns in 2021 remains their last, as John Mitchell’s side extended their extraordinary winning run to 33 matches.
Closer analysis of a memorable victory for England
Canada struck first through Asia Hogan-Rochester’s early try, but England responded in style. Ellie Kildunne’s dazzling solo effort was followed by scores from Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews to seize control, despite Sophie de Goede’s penalty keeping the underdogs within sight.
Abbie Ward added another soon after the restart before Hogan-Rochester claimed her second, yet Matthews’ close-range finish secured the title. It was a fitting reward for England’s blend of power and precision, and the triumph mirrored their 2014 World Cup win, also against Canada.
For Canada, whose spirited campaign was supported by the near-complete success of their million-dollar 'Mission: Win Rugby World Cup' fundraiser, the final was a step too far. Having beaten New Zealand in the semi-finals, they arrived with form and belief but were ultimately overpowered by the world’s top-ranked side.
The victory seals another landmark in a remarkable year for women’s sport in England, following the Lionesses’ successful defence of their European crown in July.
Red Roses rise to the occasion under Mitchell after years of near misses
Abbie Ward, one of the survivors from England’s painful defeat in the last World Cup final, drove over early in the second half to set the tone for a victory built on resilience and power.
The Red Roses had previously seen their record 30-match winning run unravel at the decisive moment against New Zealand. When Asia Hogan-Rochester struck again for Canada, memories of that collapse briefly resurfaced.
But John Mitchell, appointed two years ago to instil a harder edge in finals rugby, ensured his side peaked when it mattered most. Matthews’ decisive try, scored soon after a spell of ferocious England defence, epitomised the ruthless mindset that had been missing in recent campaigns.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft had spoken this week of tears and heartbreak in the wake of that 2021 defeat. This time, three years on, she lifted the trophy in celebration as England finally proved themselves on the biggest stage.
Bashing heartbreak with emphatic triumph
Three years ago England endured despair in the cruellest fashion, surrendering a late lead to New Zealand despite dominating much of the final and falling short with a misfired line-out in the dying seconds.
This time there was no collapse. On home soil, before a record-breaking Twickenham crowd, the Red Roses recovered from an early setback and imposed themselves with authority, sweeping aside Canada 33-13 in the second-largest winning margin ever recorded in a Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
It was the moment of release after years of near misses, a performance that buried the anguish of 2021 and confirmed England once again as the best team in the world.
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