Red Roses’ four-year record gone – but good for women’s rugby?

Canada ended England's 41-match unbeaten run with a 24-21 victory in Toronto, setting up a high-stakes rematch in Ottawa on October 23. The Red Roses had not lost a Test match since November 2022, winning 70 of their previous 72 fixtures. Sky Sports journalist Michael Cantillon argues that Canada's breakthrough is a positive development that brings much-needed competition to women's rugby.

England head coach John Mitchell welcomed the challenge, stating that the defeat provides a necessary push for his side. Canada head coach Kevin Rouet, who signed a contract extension through 2030, noted that his squad must return to work to repeat the feat, following earlier comments from scrum-half Olivia Apps targeting a win over England.