England suffered their first defeat since the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final after losing 24-21 to Canada in a WXV series match at BMO Field in Toronto on October 16, 2026. The result brought an end to England's four-year, 41-game unbeaten streak. Shoshanah Seumanutafa secured the winning points for Canada with a try in the 77th minute. The fixture also set a record for a North American women's rugby crowd, drawing 18,621 spectators to the stands. Canada capitalized on an early yellow card shown to Zoe Harrison, with Savannah Bauder scoring during the advantage. England fought back through tries from Maddie Feaunati, Harrison, and Sarah Bern, holding a 14-5 lead at half-time. In the second half, Alysha Corrigan and DaLeaka Menin added to Canada's score before Seumanutafa's late decisive try sealed the victory. England head coach John Mitchell stated that his team will look to learn from the defeat as the two nations prepare to face each other again the week of October 19 to 25, 2026.
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Canada ends England's 41-game unbeaten run with 24-21 victory in WXV series
A record North American crowd of 18,621 witnessed the historic clash at BMO Field in Toronto, where the two teams are scheduled to play again on the weekend of October 24 and 25, 2026.
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Sources
- Red Roses’ unbeaten streak ends in a thriller as Canada claim win with late try — The Guardian — esportes
- Late Canada fightback ends Red Roses' unbeaten streak — BBC Sport
