England’s dominant run in international rugby was halted as they drew 26-26 against Canada in the WXV series, ending a streak of 39 consecutive victories. Despite maintaining an unbeaten record across 40 Tests, this draw marked England’s first non-victory since 2022.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams level at 19-19 by halftime. England’s Claudia MacDonald contributed two tries, complemented by scores from Hannah Botterman and Bryony Field. Canada, however, showed resilience with Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin, who scored twice, keeping the pressure on England’s defense.
After the halftime deadlock, England briefly reclaimed the lead through Field’s try, but Canada’s persistent attack led to an eventual draw. The Canadian side effectively limited England’s wide play, particularly curbing the impact of Ellie Kildunne, and displayed strength in close-range situations.
This result disrupted England’s flawless home record against Canada, posing a significant challenge for the reigning world champions. Canada’s performance demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level, reinforcing their status as a formidable team following their appearance in last year’s World Cup final.
Looking ahead, England will aim to refine their strategy for upcoming WXV fixtures, while Canada can draw confidence from having ended the Red Roses’ lengthy winning streak.