Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Canada v England: How have Canada closed gap to Red Roses?

How have Canada closed gap to world champions England? By Mike Henson , BBC Sport rugby union news reporter and Sara Orchard , Rugby union commentator Published 53 minutes ago Forty-one matches, nearly four years and one Rugby World Cup…

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 9:38 PM
Canada v England: How have Canada closed gap to Red Roses?
Key Things to Know
  • Canada closed the gap on England by defeating the Red Roses 24-21, ending their 41-match unbeaten streak.
  • The result followed a 26-26 draw between the sides at Exeter's Sandy Park in September.
  • BBC Sport highlights Canadian players gaining vital top-level experience competing in England's domestic PWR competition.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Canada ended England's 41-match, four-year unbeaten streak with a 24-21 victory in Toronto, following a 26-26 draw at Exeter in September. The defeat marked the Red Roses' first loss under head coach John Mitchell since 2022. Experienced hooker Amy Cokayne emphasized that England does not need to overhaul their approach, while Canada capitalized on a record home crowd of 18,621.

BBC Sport reports Canada's rise is driven by players and coach Kevin Rouet gaining experience in England's PWR, alongside rising talent like Lizzie Gibson. Meanwhile, England has faced squad transitions, missing key veterans such as Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Marlie Packer, alongside Abby Dow's retirement. The teams meet again in Ottawa for the Global WXV Series.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.