England women's rugby suffer historic series defeat to Canada
Red Roses lose 2-0 to Canada, ending a record 39-match winning streak, while head coach John Mitchell raises concerns over PWR overseas players.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- England suffer a shock 2-0 series defeat against Canada in international rugby
- The losses end a record 39-match winning streak and nearly four-year unbeaten run
- Canada cement their status as major contenders three years ahead of the 2029 World Cup
- Head coach John Mitchell warns about the impact of foreign players in the PWR league
Before England's three-match series against Canada kicked off, very few observers would have predicted this outcome. A 2-0 series defeat for the Red Roses officially brought their record 39-match winning streak and 41-match unbeaten run—spanning nearly four years—to a crashing halt, marking their first consecutive losses since 2016.
Over the past 13 months, Canada have dramatically bridged the gap, transforming a heavy 33-13 defeat in the World Cup final into a statement 31-22 victory in Ottawa. With the 2029 World Cup now three years away, they have firmly established their title credentials on the global stage.
Beyond the scorelines, the results prove that England are no longer invincible, providing a major morale boost for both New Zealand and perennial Six Nations contenders France, both of which have overcome Canada over the past year. Following the setbacks, England captain Meg Jones once again urged her squad to remain resilient and defiant.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The end of England's four-year dominance highlights a rapid shift in the global women's rugby landscape. Canada's rise, fueled by players gaining high-level experience in England's domestic PWR league despite lacking a professional domestic competition back home, underscores the complex relationship between domestic club structures and international team success.
Despite the shock, context is essential. Back in 2016, England bounced back from similar defeats to claim a second World Cup title and reach subsequent finals in 2017 and 2022, alongside dominating nine of the last ten Six Nations titles. However, recent performances during the WXV Global Series exposed defensive vulnerabilities, notably conceding 18 tries across their last five matches compared to just eight in six games during the World Cup.
Meanwhile, England head coach John Mitchell has issued a warning regarding the influx of overseas talent in the PWR. While league regulations require at least 13 English-qualified players in a matchday squad, Mitchell cautioned that too many foreign players could hinder future pathways for Red Roses prospects, especially as he has been forced to debut over half a dozen newcomers in 2026 due to retirements and injuries.
Source: BBC Sport
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