The Red Roses' impressive four-year, 41-game unbeaten streak has come to an end, as Canada secured a thrilling 24-21 victory in Toronto. The defeat marks England's first loss since the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
Canada's scrum-half Olivia Apps had previously stated the team's determination to beat England in 2026, following a 26-26 draw in Exeter last month. The decisive moment came with a late try from Shoshanah Seumanutafa, putting Canada ahead with just two minutes remaining.
The match, held at BMO Field, also set a new record for a North American women's rugby game, with 18,621 fans in attendance. England Head Coach John Mitchell stated that his team will learn more from this loss than from their wins, adding, "We are not driven by outcome." The two nations are set to face each other again in a week's time.