Canada defeated world No. 1 England 24-21 at Toronto’s BMO Field on October 16. The result ended the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run and gave Canada its first home victory over England.

The comeback unfolded before 18,621 supporters, a record for a standalone women’s rugby fixture in North America. Rugby Canada described the crowd as record-breaking.

A landmark result in Toronto

England led 14-5 at halftime. Canada responded with pressure, speed and composure after the break.

Alysha Corrigan scored soon after halftime. Daleaka Menin crossed in the 64th minute. Shoshanah Seumanutafa then scored the decisive late try, according to Rugby Canada.

The victory also ended England’s 11-match winning run in Canada, BBC Sport reported. It was England’s first defeat since the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Canada combined a record home crowd with its first victory over England on Canadian soil.

Canada kept attacking under pressure

Savannah Bauder opened the scoring for Canada in the 16th minute. England answered with tries from Feunati and Zoe Harrison before halftime.

Canada refused to let the deficit decide the match. Corrigan’s try brought the hosts within two points after Sophie de Goede’s conversion.

England responded through Sarah Bern. Canada kept creating space and eventually moved ahead through Menin and Seumanutafa.

  • Final score: Canada 24, England 21
  • Halftime score: England 14, Canada 5
  • Attendance: 18,621
  • England’s unbeaten run ended: 41 matches
  • England’s previous winning run in Canada: 11 matches

Ottawa hosts the rematch

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Ottawa on October 23 at TD Place. Canada will try to build on its Toronto breakthrough, while England will seek a response after the end of its long unbeaten run.

For Canadian rugby, the result delivered two milestones at once: a first home win over the world’s top-ranked team and a record North American crowd for a standalone women’s rugby match.