England’s remarkable 39-game winning run in women’s rugby came to an end on Saturday as they were held to a 26-26 draw by Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter. The result marks the first time since New Zealand’s victory in the 2022 World Cup final that England has been prevented from claiming a win.
Canada, managed by John Mitchell, have now gone 40 Tests without defeat. The draw also snapped England’s perfect home record against their North American opponents, ending a streak of 13 consecutive victories.
The match, part of the WXV Global Series, featured four tries for each side in front of a raucous crowd of 14,573. England, known as the Red Roses, had not lost since their 2022 World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.
In a frenetic opening 25 minutes, England found themselves trailing twice. Tries from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman responded to early scores by Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin for Canada. Moloney-MacDonald, an Exeter winger, saw an initial try disallowed before breaking through in the 32nd minute. She finished off a powerful surge from Sadia Kabeya to give England their first lead. However, Canada struck just before half-time when Menin crashed over from close range, canceling out England’s advantage.
England had earlier seen a brilliant solo effort from Asia Hogan-Rochester ruled out for a forward pass. The hosts weathered 10 minutes of sustained Canadian pressure early in the second half. Bryony Field restored England’s lead with a prop’s try, only for Canada to respond immediately. Olivia Apps grounded the ball under the posts after a skillful run down the left wing by captain Sophie de Goede.
The final 10 minutes proved chaotic, with England appearing closest to stealing a victory. They were held up over the line and missed opportunities, including a turnover in front of the posts and a loose carry, which Canada capitalized on to secure the draw.
England’s scorers were Moloney-MacDonald (2), Botterman, and Field, with Harrison converting three kicks. For Canada, Gibson and Menin (2) crossed the try line, supplemented by three successful conversions from de Goede.
The match was officiated by Italian referee Clara Munarini, with assistant referees Aurelie Groizeleau and Alexandra Ferre from France, and Matteo Liperini also from Italy serving as TMO.
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