England are Women’s Rugby World Cup champions after defeating Canada 33-13 in front of a record crowd of 81,885.
The tournament hosts lived up to their billing as the competition’s favourites by scoring five tries against a strong Canada side in the showpiece at Twickenham.
Alex Matthews scored two tries for the Red Roses as they won the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the third time in their history.
The victory will prove even sweeter for some of the older members of the squad, with England having lost the previous two finals to New Zealand in 2017 and 2022.
The defeat by New Zealand in the previous World Cup final three years ago remains England’s last loss as they extended their record winning run to 33 games.
England rally back after Canada’s bright start
Despite the crowd being heavily partisan in England’s favour, it was Canada who got off to a bright start when winger Asia Hogan-Rochester crossed the whitewash to score.
However, John Mitchell’s side responded through another vintage stunning solo try from full-back Ellie Kildunne.
That moment of magic was the catalyst for England who scored two more tries before half-time to lead 21-8 courtesy of scores from hooker Amy Cokayne and No 8 Matthews.
England’s momentum continued after the interval as Abbie Ward scored before Hogan-Rochester scored again for Canada.
However, Matthews’ second try ended any hope of a Canadian comeback to seal victory and the Women’s Rugby World Cup for England.
The result adds some extra shine to women’s sport in England this summer after the Lionesses successfully defended their European crown at Euro 2025 in July.
John Mitchell delighted for his England World Cup winners
‘I am so pleased that these girls have realised their potential,’ said New Zealander Mitchell, who began coaching England after the World Cup in 2023.
‘This has been a very good team for a long time, but I think they deserve to be termed a great side today. They’re a phenomenal group.’
England have won each 63 of their past 64 Test matches with their one defeat being the 2023 World Cup final.
‘This team has been the best in the world for eight years but hasn’t got the job done [now the team] finally has,’ he added.
