Photo via BBC Sport

How have Canada closed gap to world champions England?

England’s four-year unbeaten streak in women’s rugby came to an end this autumn after Canada ended their dominance with back-to-back narrow victories. The Red Roses, who had crushed Canada in every prior meeting this decade—winning by an average of 22 points—suffered a 24-21 loss in Toronto following a 26-26 draw in September, marking their first defeat since 2022.

The shift in form reflects Canada’s improved tactical approach, particularly their explosive semi-final performance against New Zealand at last year’s Rugby World Cup, where their speed and handling stood out as the tournament’s best display outside the final. While England’s depth has been tested by key absences—including captain Zoe Stratford, second rows Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan, and wing Abby Dow—their rivals have gained crucial experience training in England’s Premier 15s Rugby (PWR) league, the world’s strongest women’s domestic competition, despite lacking a professional league of their own.

Canada’s new talents, like debutant Lizzie Gibson, have also added fresh energy to their pack, while England’s psychological edge may have faltered after years of unchallenged leadership at the top of the sport.

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