Canada end England's 42-match unbeaten run as Red Roses vow to respond in Ottawa

Canada ended England’s historic 42-match unbeaten run with a 24-21 victory at Toronto’s BMO Field on Friday, handing the Red Roses their first Test defeat in nearly four years in WXV Global Series action.

A second-half resurgence from Kévin Rouet’s side proved decisive, with Canada’s physicality stretching England to their limit throughout. The result gave the hosts exactly what they had targeted: a win over the team they will face in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final.

The defeat comes in the second of three autumn Tests between the nations. The opening match in Exeter had ended 26-26, meaning England can now only draw the series before their final fixture against the USA Women’s Eagles at New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Red Roses captain Megan Jones acknowledged the significance of the loss but was defiant in her response. “The bit we always remember is, we’re at the top, and when you’re at the top, people want to bring you down as quickly as they can,” she said. “So you’ll always have a target on your back. Our aim is to continue to improve, to be better and to continue to be better. Our team is built on performances, and we always want to perform. We’re our own biggest critics when it comes to that.”

Head coach Mitchell was equally candid, admitting the defeat opens a door that rivals will be eager to push through. “We’ve been asking somebody to come and get us, and they’ve done that,” he said. “Not that we designed it to happen — far from it — but we’ve got to respond. Athletes as good as these girls will definitely be introspective. They’ll look at themselves, reflect on what’s happened and find something deeper and more meaningful to make sure they stay aligned with the big goal this team is working towards.”

The atmosphere at BMO Field added to the occasion, with 18,621 supporters creating a noise level that Mitchell said made communication among his coaching staff difficult. It was a landmark moment for women’s rugby in North America, and one that will sharpen minds in the England camp ahead of next Friday’s rematch at Ottawa’s TD Place.

For England, the defeat marks the start of a new World Cup cycle in unfamiliar territory. For four years they were untouchable; now, with rivals emboldened, the pressure to reassert their dominance arrives sooner than expected.