Canada defeated England 24-21 in an enthralling WXV Global Series encounter at BMO Field in Toronto on October 16, 2026, ending the Red Roses’ remarkable 41-match unbeaten streak in front of a record-breaking home crowd of 18,621, as reported by World Rugby.
The historic victory marks Canada’s first-ever home-soil win over England and breaks a dominance that had stretched back four years. For the Red Roses, who suffered their first defeat since the 2022 World Cup final, the loss brings a sudden halt to an era of unrivaled supremacy across 73 total matches.
How Canada Stunned the World Champions
The match began when England struggled to exit their own 22. Quick hands out wide allowed Savannah Bauder to cross for the opening try of the match in the 16th minute, sending the partisan crowd into celebration, according to match reports from Rugby Canada. Canada maintained relentless pressure throughout the first half, though England fought back to claw their way ahead.
As the clock ticked down, the match hung in the balance. Tireless tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin powered over the line in the 64th minute to bring the home side back into contention, earning her player of the match honors for the second meeting between the two sides, as detailed by World Rugby. With just two minutes remaining on the clock, replacement Shoshanah Seumanutafa dived over in the corner to snatch a dramatic 24-21 lead. Canada successfully managed the final moments before Taylor Perry kicked the ball into touch to secure the final whistle.
The End of a Historic Run and a New Mental Shift for England
While no team enters a match planning to lose, the shock defeat provides the Red Roses with an invaluable psychological reset. Having previously drawn 26-26 with the same Canadian side in Exeter last month—a result that already snapped a 39-game winning streak before this outright loss—England now face a different kind of pressure. Mitchell noted post-match that when his side gets a setback, it generally learns quicker
.
The important thing is winning after winning is harder than before,
Mitchell explained. I guess what it does to everyone is it frees us up, which is cool.
It allows us all to find more.
I know this group has definitely got more in it but sometimes it requires the context that we have just received to dig deeper and push for something more.
Building Toward the 2029 World Cup Down Under
Players like Abi Burton and Maddie Feaunati, who have never tasted defeat for England, faced their first loss at BMO Field, while Jess Breach suffered only her first career loss in 60 appearances.
England captain Meg Jones emphasized unity following the sobering result. For us the biggest thing is that we stick together,
Jones said. Games are built on moments, it is not one individual moment, it is multiple. That is the beauty of it and we get to review it, we get to go again next weekend, we get to stick together.
Immediate Rematch Scheduled in Ottawa
The rivalry resumes immediately. Canada and England will meet again on October 23, 2026, in Ottawa, where the Red Roses will have an instant opportunity for revenge and the chance to begin a brand-new unbeaten run on foreign soil as preparation ramps up for the 2029 World Cup in Australia.
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