England achieved a historic triumph on Saturday, outclassing Canada 33-13 in front of a record 81,885 spectators at Twickenham to seize the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the third time. This monumental victory served as a redemption for England, who had previously lost the 2022 final to New Zealand. They showcased their dominance by racing to a 21-8 halftime lead and extending their winning streak to an impressive 33 matches, cementing their status as a powerhouse in women’s rugby.
Coach John Mitchell praised the team’s resilience, attributing their success to the lessons learned from the past and the strong cultural values guiding their journey. England’s thrilling performance was a highlight in a tournament that has vastly outshone its predecessors, with record-breaking attendance and viewership figures reflecting the growing global interest in women’s rugby.
Key to the game was player of the match, Sadia Kabeya, whose relentless performance exemplified England’s prowess. The atmosphere was electric, amplified by a strong turnout to witness New Zealand’s earlier victory over France in the Bronze final.
Despite Canada taking an early lead with Asia Hogan-Rochester’s try, England quickly established control with a remarkable score from Ellie Kildunne, the reigning world player of the year. This encapsulated England’s blend of skill and strategic play, which Canada, despite their spirited effort and crowdfunded journey to the tournament, couldn’t match.
This victory is not only a testament to England’s current supremacy but also to the expanding reach and future potential of women’s rugby worldwide. As scrumhalf Natasha Hunt expressed, the hope is that such achievements will leave a lasting legacy and inspire continued growth for women’s sports. This World Cup has set a new benchmark, not just in terms of sporting achievements but also in elevating the global profile of women’s rugby, paving the way for even more exciting competitions ahead.