Auckland – Canada’s fairytale run at the Women’s Rugby World Cup came to a heartbreaking end as they were defeated 33–13 by a dominant England side in the tournament final. The match, played before a packed stadium, showcased England’s power and precision against a spirited but ultimately outmatched Canadian team.
England seized control early in the game with a series of well-coordinated drives, testing Canada’s defense and forcing errors under pressure. By halftime, England led 19–6, capitalizing on their superior lineouts and clinical finishing near the try line.
Canada rallied briefly in the second half, scoring a try that lifted their supporters’ hopes and narrowed the gap. For a few tense minutes, the momentum seemed to shift as Canada increased their pace and challenged England’s backline. But England’s experience and physicality proved decisive, as they responded with two late tries that sealed the win and extinguished any chance of a comeback.
The Canadian squad entered the tournament as underdogs but captured international attention with their passionate performances and upset victories on their way to the final. Their disciplined defense and aggressive forward play earned them respect from fans and analysts alike.
Team captain Sophie de Goede praised her teammates for their resilience, calling the journey “a proud moment for Canadian rugby.” She added, “We gave it everything. England were outstanding today, but I couldn’t be prouder of this team and what we’ve achieved together.”
England’s win marks their sixth Women’s Rugby World Cup title, cementing their status as the sport’s dominant force. For Canada, the loss stings, but their historic run to the final is being celebrated as a major milestone for women’s rugby in the country.
Rugby Canada officials said the performance would inspire a new generation of players and confirmed that plans are underway to invest further in grassroots and elite development. While they fell short of the ultimate prize, the team’s journey has ignited national pride and raised the profile of women’s rugby like never before.