Historic Triumph Ends 11-Year Wait
England’s Red Roses have been crowned world champions once again after defeating Canada 33-13 in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham. The emphatic win not only secured England’s third world title but also ended an 11-year drought since their last success in 2014.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 witnessed England’s dominance on the global stage. The victory also extended the Red Roses’ extraordinary unbeaten run to 33 consecutive matches, underlining their status as the top-ranked team in women’s rugby.
Revenge After Years of Heartbreak
England had faced bitter disappointment in the past two World Cup finals, losing to New Zealand in both 2017 and 2022. This year, however, the script was different. The Red Roses channeled that frustration into a performance full of power, precision, and composure.
Alex Matthews, the only player remaining from England’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, delivered a standout display with two crucial tries. Flanker Sadia Kabeya, who dominated the breakdown and tackled relentlessly, earned the Player of the Match award.
Head coach John Mitchell, who has yet to lose a match since taking charge in 2023, praised the resilience of his squad. “This team has carried the weight of expectation for years, and tonight they showed why they’re the best in the world,” he said after lifting the trophy.
Canada Strike First, England Respond in Style
The final began with a shock as Canada took an early lead. Just five minutes in, winger Asia Hogan-Rochester cut through England’s defense to score, silencing the home crowd.
But the Red Roses did not panic. Only minutes later, fullback Ellie Kildunne—crowned World Rugby Player of the Year in 2024—danced past Canadian defenders for a stunning solo try. From that moment, momentum shifted firmly in England’s favor.
Hooker Amy Cokayne powered over from a maul to extend the lead, and Matthews soon added her first try. With fly-half Zoe Harrison faultless from the tee, England entered halftime ahead 21-8, controlling possession and territory through their dominant forward pack.
Record-Breaking Crowd Fuels the Roses
The sea of red and white inside Twickenham provided a spine-tingling backdrop. The attendance figure of 81,885 shattered the world record for a women’s rugby match and also ranked as the second-highest Rugby World Cup final crowd in history, men’s or women’s.
Captain Marlie Packer credited the fans for their role in the triumph: “That noise, that energy—it was like having an extra player on the field. This win belongs to them as much as to us.”
Second-Half Battle: Canada Fight, England Finish Strong
After the break, England continued to turn the screw. Lock Abbie Ward crossed the try line to stretch the lead, but Canada refused to fold. Hogan-Rochester struck again with her second try of the night, cutting the deficit to 26-13 and keeping Canadian hopes alive.
However, England’s class and composure ultimately proved too much. Matthews secured her second try in the 68th minute, breaking through Canadian resistance and sealing the title for the Red Roses. As the final whistle blew, Twickenham erupted into celebration, marking the end of years of near misses with a moment of history.
Mitchell’s Era of Dominance
Since John Mitchell took charge, England have been unstoppable. They claimed back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams and set the record for the longest winning streak in international rugby. His appointment has transformed England into a ruthless, well-balanced side that blends physical dominance with creative flair.
Mitchell’s recognition as World Rugby Women’s Coach of the Year was the perfect complement to England’s triumph, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s top tacticians.
Canada’s Courageous Effort
Despite the defeat, Canada earned admiration for their fearless approach. Reaching their first final since 2014, the team showcased determination and attacking intent, highlighted by Hogan-Rochester’s double. Head coach Kevin Rouet praised his side’s fight, saying: “We pushed the best team in the world and showed the progress Canadian rugby has made.”
A Defining Moment for Women’s Rugby
Beyond the scoreboard, England’s victory represents a milestone for women’s sport. The record crowd, global viewership, and level of performance on display underscored the rapid growth of women’s rugby worldwide.
With the Red Roses finally lifting the trophy again, the 2025 World Cup will be remembered not only as England’s redemption story but also as a turning point in the history of the women’s game.
