England have finally reclaimed the Women’s Rugby World Cup, producing a commanding display to defeat Canada 33-13 in front of a record-breaking crowd at Twickenham.
A sea of 81,885 fans — the largest ever attendance for a women’s rugby match — roared the Red Roses to their third world title, ending an 11-year wait and exorcising the demons of two consecutive final defeats to New Zealand.
The win also stretched England’s astonishing unbeaten run to 33 Tests, their last defeat still that heartbreak against the Black Ferns in 2022. This time, with home soil and history at stake, John Mitchell’s side peaked when it mattered most.
Canada Strike First, Kildunne Answers In Style
The underdogs struck the opening blow. Asia Hogan-Rochester finished superbly in the corner after slick handling, briefly silencing the Twickenham crowd.
But Ellie Kildunne — England’s electric full-back and reigning World Rugby Player of the Year — changed the tone instantly. Gliding past multiple defenders in a breathtaking solo run, she delivered a try that swung momentum firmly back to the hosts.
From there, England leaned into their trademark strengths. Hooker Amy Cokayne powered over from a driving maul before Alex Matthews crossed after more scrum dominance. Canada’s Sophie de Goede slotted a penalty to keep her side in touch, but the Red Roses led 19-8 at the break.
If England dazzled with Kildunne’s brilliance, they broke Canada’s resistance with efficiency and ferocity. Zoe Aldcroft led from the front with a crucial turnover on her own tryline, while prop Hannah Botterman lifted the crowd with a thunderous steal late in the first half.
Mitchell’s message before the final was clear: “effective rugby wins finals.” The Red Roses delivered exactly that — every maul, scrum, and tackle built pressure and drained Canadian belief.
Closing The Door
Abbie Ward, one of seven players who started in England’s crushing defeat three years ago, powered over early in the second half. Hogan-Rochester briefly reignited Canadian hopes with her second try while Botterman was in the sin bin, but Matthews’ second score crushed any chance of a comeback.
Fittingly, it was brave defence and hard collisions that paved the way for Matthews’ decisive try, underlining the winning mindset Mitchell was hired to instil.
Canada’s presence in the final was itself remarkable. Head coach Kevin Rouet’s squad had crowdfunded under the banner Mission: Win Rugby World Cup to compete with better-funded nations and then toppled defending champions New Zealand in the semi-final. They played some of the tournament’s most attractive rugby but could not withstand England’s power game on the biggest stage.
For England, the release at full-time was immense. Captain Zoe Aldcroft recalled embracing centre Tatyana Heard in tears after their last final defeat. This time, she lifted the Webb Ellis trophy to deafening cheers.
A Landmark Moment For Women’s Sport
The Red Roses’ victory capped off a golden year for English women’s sport, coming just months after the Lionesses retained their European football crown at Euro 2025.
From Kildunne’s star power to Matthews’ relentless finishing, this was a performance that blended individual brilliance with collective resolve. Above all, it was the day England finally proved their dominance when it mattered most.
On home soil, in front of a record-breaking audience, the Red Roses stood tall as world champions once again.
Featured image credit: BBC Sport (Screenshot)
