Image: from Red Roses X @RedRosesRugby
Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies
London — England’s Red Roses have reclaimed the Women’s Rugby World Cup crown with a commanding 33–13 victory over Canada at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, in front of a record-breaking home crowd of 81,885.
The triumph marks England’s third world title, and their first in 11 years, following heartbreak in the 2017 and 2022 finals.
A Decisive Display
England, ranked number one in the world ahead of the tournament, controlled the match from the outset. Two tries from Alex Matthews and further scores from Ellie Kildunne, Amy Cokayne, and Abbie Ward sealed the deal. By halftime, the Red Roses had already established a 13-point cushion.
Canada, ranked second globally, responded with determination and mounted a spirited second-half surge. Yet Matthews’ second try, converted to extend England’s lead to 33–13, snuffed out any chance of a comeback.
Celebrations and Tributes
The historic win quickly drew praise from across the UK and beyond. The Prince and Princess of Wales hailed the Red Roses’ achievement, also applauding Canada’s effort, writing: “You had an outstanding tournament. Both teams should be so proud!”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lauded the team for inspiring a generation, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan shared his congratulations after watching the match alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling the moment “another proud milestone for women’s rugby.”
Emotional Reactions
Flanker Sadia Kabeya, named player of the match, described the win as “a pinch me moment,” adding: “It’s been years and years in the making. I am so happy we could pull it off.”
Abbie Ward, who also scored in the final, said she burst into tears as the whistle blew: “It’s truly been such a special day. A sold-out Twickenham, family and friends in the stands, the energy was electric. The last final loss was then. This is a new team, this is a new chapter of women’s rugby.”
Dominance Cemented
The Red Roses entered the final riding a 32-game winning streak, having already secured their seventh consecutive Six Nations title earlier in the year. They went unbeaten through the World Cup group stages before overcoming Scotland and France in the knockout rounds.
Canada, making their second Rugby World Cup final appearance, faced an uphill battle not only on the pitch but off it as well. Limited funding meant players had to partially finance their participation, with nearly $1 million raised through a crowdfunding initiative, Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025.
A Historic Moment
The match was more than a sporting contest — it was a showcase of women’s rugby’s growing popularity, with a sold-out Twickenham underscoring the sport’s momentum. For England, the emphatic victory secures a long-awaited redemption and solidifies their place as the world’s most dominant women’s rugby team.