Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team left everything on the field in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup Final, producing a courageous and spirited performance before falling 33–13 to top-seeded England in front of a record-setting crowd of 81,885 at Allianz Stadium. 

While England lifted their third world title, Canada captured silver and earned something equally enduring: the admiration of Canadians from coast to coast, who rallied behind a team that brought women’s rugby into the national spotlight and inspired the next generation of players.

A Solid Start 

Canada stunned the partisan English crowd with a fast and fearless opening. After nearly breaking through in the second minute, winger Asia Hogan-Rochester finished off sharp lead-up work from Fabiola Forteza to score the game’s opening try in the fifth minute. Sophie de Goede’s conversion attempt rattled off the upright, but Canada led 5–0 and set the tone with their ambition and tempo.

Top-ranked England responded quickly. Ellie Kildunne showed individual brilliance to slip through Canada’s defence for a try under the posts, before the Red Roses’ forward pack shifted into high gear. A pair of close-range tries through Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews gave England a 21–5 advantage, but Canada refused to go away.

De Goede slotted a penalty goal in the 34th minute to steady the ship, and Canada’s defence — led by timely and impactful tackles form Karen Paquin and Caroline Crossley — denied the Red Roses further points late in the half. At the break, England held a 21–8 lead, but Canada were still in the fight.

Second-Half Resolve 

Early in the second half, England extended their advantage when Abbie Ward powered over from in close. Yet Canada, true to their identity, struck back almost immediately.

With England reduced to 14 players following a yellow card to Hannah Botterman, Hogan-Rochester crossed again in the corner to give Canada life and cut the deficit to 26–13. Julia Schell nearly produced another score minutes later, only for England’s defence to hold firm.
As the final whistle approached, England’s pack tipped the balance, with Matthews adding her second try in the 69th minute. But the scoreline did little to reflect Canada’s enterprise, belief, and sheer determination across 80 minutes.

Post-Match Reflections 

Captain Alex Tessier acknowledged England’s power but praised her side’s resilience:

“We just started the game a bit flat. We didn’t quite impose our rhythm. The connection didn’t go away at times. We didn’t panic, but we didn’t play our game, and I think that cost us the game in the long run. Hats off to our girls, I think they’ve done a tremendous job throughout the tournament. I’m very proud — we all believed we could do the job, and it just didn’t go our way today.”

Head Coach Kevin Rouet was frank in his assessment of the final:

“I think they were just better than us, and we didn’t score when we had to score, so it’s a tough time. When you’re playing against England, if you don’t score when you have to score, you can’t win the game.”

He also credited England’s performance on the day:

“They’re right on time. Their best performance of the tournament is today for them, at the final. It’s a good team, they’re well-drilled, and the better team won today.”

Looking ahead, Rouet emphasized Canada’s long-term ambition:

“I know sometimes people will forget, and we know we have to wait four years, so we are going to wait the four years and we are going to come back.”

The team also extends their gratitude to family, friends, and the many Canadian supporters who followed their journey — both in England and back home — with special thanks to Prime Minister Mark Carney for attending the final and showing his support for the game and the growth of rugby in Canada.

Beyond the Final Score 

While Canada fell just short of their first-ever Rugby World Cup crown, their performances throughout the tournament — capped by their fearless display in the final — have lifted the profile of the sport at home.

This team not only matched the world’s best, they inspired Canadians of all ages with their commitment, unity, and belief. From grassroots fields to packed stadiums, women’s rugby in Canada has been changed forever.