Canada Ends England Women's Rugby Unbeaten Run in Toronto Thriller

Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a crucial late try with three minutes remaining to hand Canada a dramatic 24-21 victory over England in Toronto, ending the Red Roses' remarkable 41-match unbeaten streak. Playing in front of 18,621 fans at BMO Field—a record crowd for a standalone women's rugby fixture in North America—Canada overcame a 14-5 half-time deficit. Savannah Bauder opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute while England fly-half Zoe Harrison served a yellow card. England fought back before the break with tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison, alongside Sarah Bern canceling out an Alysha Corrigan solo try early in the second half. DaLeaka Menin then brought Canada within reach with a converted score past the hour mark, setting the stage for Seumanutafa's game-winning charge down the left wing after an English handling error near the halfway line.

Reaction

England head coach John Mitchell suffered his first defeat since taking charge in late 2023, noting that the setback frees the squad to find more depth. Captain Meg Jones reminded supporters that the team remains world champions and number one, emphasizing the need to respond quickly as a hunted squad.

Context

International rugby rivalries often feature intense tactical battles where single handling errors under late-game pressure can swing the outcome entirely. England now faces a quick turnaround as both teams prepare to meet again in Ottawa.