Canada’s women’s rugby team secured a commanding 31-22 victory over England in Ottawa, completing a 2-0 series sweep in the WXV Global Series and inflicting England with their first consecutive defeats in a decade.
Captain Sophie de Goede was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring a hat-trick that proved decisive in the hard-fought encounter. The victory marks a significant achievement for Canada, who dominated the series against one of rugby’s traditional powerhouses.
England’s Struggles Continue
The defeat represents a turning point for England’s women’s rugby program. The back-to-back losses mark the first time the side has suffered consecutive defeats in ten years, a stark indicator of their current struggles in international competition.
England head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the team’s performance issues following the loss, offering insight into their difficulties. “Perhaps we have become a little bit predictable,” Mitchell stated, signaling a need for tactical evolution within the squad.
WXV Global Series Action
The match showcased competitive rugby throughout, with England mounting a strong challenge despite ultimately falling short. Fly-half Zoe Harrison and winger Emma Sing featured prominently for the visitors, but their efforts proved insufficient to overturn Canada’s momentum and De Goede’s prolific scoring.
The WXV Global Series continues to provide a significant platform for international women’s rugby, and Canada’s clean sweep demonstrates their ascendancy in the current global landscape. De Goede’s leadership and attacking prowess set the tone for a Canadian side determined to make their mark on the international stage.