Canada Ends England Rugby Streak
England lost a rugby test match for the first time in four years on Friday night, falling 24-21 to Canada in front of 18,621 fans at BMO Field in Toronto. Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the winning try in the 78th minute to shatter a 41-match unbeaten run for the Red Roses.
The defeat is England’s first since November 2022, when they lost to New Zealand in the World Cup final. It also marks Canada’s first victory over England since July 2016, ending a 14-match losing streak in the head-to-head series. The crowd size established a new North American attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby fixture.
How Canada Overturned the Red Roses
Canada seized early momentum after England had an early score ruled out as Claudia Moloney-MacDonald did not have clean grounding. During a spell of heavy defensive pressure, England’s Zoe Harrison received a yellow card, allowing Canada’s Savannah Bauder to open the scoring in the 15th minute. England responded before half-time through Maddie Feaunati and Harrison, taking a 14-5 lead despite playing a man down due to a sin-binning of Laetitia Royer.
Think you know what the score will be for Canada v Red Roses? 🔮Make your prediction to be in with a chance of winning a £100 England Rugby Store Voucher 👉 https://t.co/Z6ykfdjG7D@O2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/ICpSo5aPIP
The second half unlocked a fast-paced battle as Alysha Corrigan struck with a solo try for the hosts, which Sarah Bern answered for England. DaLeaka Menin crashed over just after the hour mark to draw Canada close again before Seumanutafa charged down the left wing to seal the comeback. Sophie de Goede captained the Canadian side, while DaLeaka Menin was named player of the match, with Olivia Apps also noted as a standout player.
John Mitchell Demands Response Ahead of Ottawa Rematch
England head coach John Mitchell faced his first defeat since being appointed in late 2023. He told reporters that the loss would ultimately benefit his squad.
We’re disappointed by the result but there was some very good things in our performance. So we’ll stick to our processes,
Mitchell said. I guess [the loss] frees us up and allows us to find more. I know this group has got more in them. Sometimes it requires the context that we’ve just received to dig deeper and find something more.
The two sides will travel to Ottawa for the second match of their series, scheduled for Oct. 23 at TD Place. England will then finish their 2026 WXV Global Series campaign against the USA in New Jersey on Oct. 30.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Historic Test
When was the last time Canada beat England before this match?
Canada’s previous victory over England came in July 2016, when they secured a 52-17 win, preceding a run of 14 losses to England prior to a 26-26 draw in Exeter last month.
What attendance record did the match break?
The fixture drew 18,621 spectators to BMO Field in Toronto, setting a new North American attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby match.
Who scored the decisive try for Canada?
Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the winning try in the 78th minute, charging down the left wing after a fumble put England’s clearing kick under pressure.
Keep reading