Dramatic finish in Toronto
England’s 41-match unbeaten streak concluded in Toronto as Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a late try to secure a 24-21 victory for Canada in the WXV Global Series. Playing before an audience of 18,621 spectators—marking a record attendance for a standalone women’s rugby fixture in North America—Canada became the first team to defeat the Red Roses since November 2022, when England lost to New Zealand in the World Cup final.
The result also represents England’s first loss against Canada since 2016 and their first defeat on Canadian soil following 11 previous away victories.
Match progression
Canada opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Savannah Bauder while England’s Zoe Harrison served a yellow card. Despite the early setback, England established a 14-5 advantage by half-time, responding with tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison while Canada’s Laetitia Royer was in the sin-bin.
Early in the second half, Alysha Corrigan scored a solo try for Canada, which Sarah Bern cancelled out to restore a nine-point lead for England. Canada narrowed the gap after the hour mark when DaLeaka Menin crashed over for a converted score.
With three minutes remaining in the match, Canada launched an attack from the halfway line following a fumble that pressured Harrison’s clearing kick. Replacement Seumanutafa advanced down the left wing to complete the comeback.
Upcoming fixtures
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October, before England finishes its 2026 WXV Global Series fixtures against the USA in New Jersey on Friday, 30 October.
