England has officially claimed the Women’s Rugby World Cup title, defeating Canada 33-13 in a historic match at Twickenham, London. This triumph, witnessed by a record crowd of 81,885, underscores England’s dominance in the women’s rugby landscape and marks their third World Cup title, following earlier victories in 1994 and 2014.
England’s Dominance
The match showcased England’s exceptional capabilities, with the team successfully converting their strength and strategy into a decisive victory. This win caps a remarkable World Cup cycle for England, who completed an unbeaten streak of 33 matches—an unprecedented achievement in international rugby. Coach John Mitchell praised his team’s defensive efforts throughout the tournament, stating, “I thought we were superb defensively… our attack didn’t need to be at its best but it was effective enough to get the job done.”
England had faced its challenges in the past, having lost in the finals of both the 2017 and 2022 tournaments. However, this match proved different as they outmatched Canada in both skill and tenacity, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in women’s rugby.
Canada’s Journey
For Canada, reaching the final for the first time in 11 years was a remarkable achievement, validating their No. 2 ranking in the world. The Canadian team had demonstrated impressive performance throughout the tournament, including a stunning victory over defending champions New Zealand in the semifinals. Their path to the final had ignited hope for many fans, eager to see Canada clinch its first title.
However, despite a promising start with a try from Asia Hogan-Rochester, Canada struggled to maintain momentum. Captain Alex Tessier acknowledged the team’s challenges: “We just started the game a bit flat… we didn’t quite impose our rhythm.” That inability to control the game proved detrimental, as England quickly capitalized on Canadian mistakes, effectively shifting the momentum in their favor.
Match Highlights
The final witnessed a series of pivotal plays that defined the outcome. Following Canada’s early score, England responded rapidly through a powerful try by Ellie Kildunne, which shifted the tide almost immediately. Canadian attempts to reclaim control faltered, leading to England’s subsequent tries and solidifying their lead.
The contest revealed Canada’s struggle to break through England’s formidable defense. With each missed opportunity, the gap widened, and despite a late effort from Hogan-Rochester for Canada, the damage was done. Coach Kevin Rouet lamented the missed chances, emphasizing the importance of scoring at crucial moments: “When you’re playing against England, if you don’t score when you have to score, you can’t win the game.”
Individual Recognition
Despite the loss, Canadian player Sophie de Goede was honored with the 2025 Women’s Rugby Player of the Year award after the match, making her only the second Canadian to receive this accolade, following in the footsteps of Magali Harvey in 2014. This recognition adds a silver lining to an otherwise disappointing day for the Canadian squad, highlighting individual talent even amidst team setbacks.
Analyzing the Overall Impact
The significance of this final extends beyond the match result. It marked a key moment in women’s sports, drawing the largest crowd in women’s rugby history. This increase in viewership and attendance reflects a growing interest in women’s rugby, fortifying its place on the global stage. Events like these can inspire future generations of athletes and broaden the sport’s appeal, encouraging increased participation and investment in women’s rugby.
The record attendance at Twickenham showcases how far the women’s game has come and serves as a beacon for what lies ahead. As interest continues to rise, it remains essential for rugby organizations and sponsors to capitalize on this momentum, ensuring sustainable growth and visibility in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
As both teams look to the future, the lessons learned from this match will undoubtedly influence their preparation for upcoming competitions. England will seek to build on their success, eyeing further dominance in the rugby world, while Canada will aim to regroup and harness the experiences gained through this World Cup journey.
The competition will likely intensify as teams strive to catch up to England, with nations now more motivated than ever to invest in their women’s rugby programs, and the focus on building talent from grassroots levels.
In conclusion, while Canada faces setbacks after this loss, the resilience, skill, and spirit demonstrated throughout the tournament serve as a foundation for future growth. Similarly, England’s return to the pinnacle of women’s rugby sets a high standard and showcases the potential of the sport. With every tournament, the narrative of women’s rugby continues to evolve, promising thrilling rivalries, improved performances, and greater recognition in the sports world.
