A record-breaking crowd witnessed history as England claimed their third Women’s Rugby World Cup title in a commanding 33-13 victory over Canada at Twickenham. But here’s where it gets controversial—how did a team ranked No. 1 in the world dominate so thoroughly, even after Canada had outclassed every opponent they’d faced? Let’s unpack this.
The tournament, spanning five weeks and 30 electrifying matches, culminated in a final that drew 81,885 fans—a staggering number that shattered previous attendance records. England, known as the Red Roses, didn’t just win; they dismantled Canada with precision, a far cry from the 69-7 rout they delivered against the United States earlier in the competition. Canada, meanwhile, had been a revelation this year, steamrolling through Fiji, Wales, and Scotland in the group stage before toppling Australia and New Zealand (the defending champions) in the knockout rounds. Yet, on this day, the Red Roses proved unstoppable.
Ellie Kildunne set the tone early with a solo try that showcased her individual brilliance, and despite a brief second-half lull, England maintained control. Sadia Kabaya was crowned player of the match, while Alex Matthews added two tries to the scoreboard. The result marked England’s first World Cup win since 2014—and ironically, their last triumph also came against Canada.
And this is the part most people miss: Canada’s preparation for this historic crowd was unconventional. To simulate the noise of 80,000 fans, they trained with headphones playing crowd roars. Did it backfire, or was the real test simply too much?
John Mitchell, the architect of England’s success, deserves credit for building a team that’s now reached six World Cup finals in a row. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Is England’s dominance a sign of rugby excellence—or are other teams failing to keep up? Share your take in the comments.
For full coverage, including insights on Canada’s controversial training methods and the legacy of this victory, check out these links: The Coach Behind Red Roses’ Success, England’s Quest for Immortality, and Canada’s Headphone Strategy. Follow ESPN for live updates and more!
