England overpower Canada to win Women's World Cup

3 weeks ago 179

Media caption,

'She has no right to get through there' - Kildunne gives England the lead

ByAlastair Telfer

BBC Sport journalist at Twickenham

Women's Rugby World Cup final

Canada (8) 13

Tries: Hogan-Rochester 2 Pen: De Goede

England (21) 33

Tries: Kildunne, Cokayne, Matthews 2, Ward Cons: Harrison 4

England produced a dominant performance to defeat Canada at Twickenham and win the Women's Rugby World Cup for a third time.

Having conceded an early score to Asia Hogan-Rochester, the hosts responded through a sensational score by Ellie Kildunne.

Hooker Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews then crossed as John Mitchell's side took control of the final, with Sophie de Goede converting a penalty to keep Canada within two scores.

Abbie Ward grabbed the first try of the second half before Hogan-Rochester bagged her second score.

However, Matthews' second try from close range after brave defence sealed the game for the Red Roses.

Canada, who came into the final 95% of the way towards their million-dollar fundraising goal entitled 'Mission: Win Rugby World Cup' - which was set up to help them compete with the world's best-funded teams, comfortably defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals and arguably had played the best rugby in the tournament.

However, on the biggest stage when it mattered most, Mitchell's side outperformed the world's number two ranked side to become world champions for the first time since 2014 - when they also defeated Canada.

The result caps off a memorable and historic year for women's sport in England after the Lionesses retained their European title at Euro 2025 in July.

More to follow.

Line-ups

England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland.

Canada: Schell; Corrigan, Symonds, Tessier (capt), Hogan-Rochester; Perry, Pelletier; Hunt, Tuttosi, Menin, De Goede, O'Donnell, Crossley, Paquin, Forteza.

Replacements: Boag, Kassil, Demerchant, Beukeboom, Royer, Senft, Apps, Seumenutafa.