The Canadian women's rugby team secured a historic 31-22 victory over England on Friday night at TD Place in Ottawa. This win marks the second consecutive triumph for Canada against the top-ranked English side during the Rugby Rematch Tour of the WXV Global Series, following a 24-21 win in Toronto last week.
A historic run for Canada
This victory is significant not just for the scoreline, but for the momentum it builds for the Canadian squad. By defeating the world champion Red Roses twice in one week, Canada has disrupted one of the most dominant eras in international rugby.
Key milestones from this series include:
- Canada ended England's 41-game unbeaten streak in Toronto.
- The team previously held England to a 26-26 draw in Exeter last September.
- This marks the first time England has suffered back-to-back losses since 2016.
How did the match unfold?
After a tightly contested first half that left Canada with a narrow 12-7 lead, England surged ahead early in the second half. A drop goal and a try gave the Red Roses a 17-12 advantage, but Canada responded with a decisive scoring run.
Sophie de Goede led the charge with two tries, while DaLeaka Menin and Savannah Bauder also found the end zone. Although England scored late in the 81st minute to close the gap, Canada held on to maintain their lead and secure the Utrecht Shield.
What is next for the team?
While the wins are a major achievement, head coach Kévin Rouet noted that the team is still evolving. He emphasized that many new players are joining the group as they prepare for the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
FAQ
Who was the standout player in Ottawa?
Julia Omokhuale was named Player of the Game after scoring a try and helping lead the Canadian offense.
How large was the crowd for the match?
A total of 13,117 fans attended the game in Ottawa, setting a new local attendance record for the city.
