In front of a record-breaking crowd in Toronto, Canadian rugby produced one of the most remarkable results in modern international history as a late try from replacement Shoshanah Seumanutafa secured a dramatic 24-21 victory over England in the WXV Global Series. The result brought a sensational end to England’s 41-match unbeaten streak, marking the first time the world champions have suffered defeat since falling to New Zealand in the World Cup final in November 2022.
Playing before 18,621 spectators at Toronto’s stadium—a record crowd for a standalone women’s rugby fixture in North America—Canada delivered a relentless performance that overturned a nine-point second-half deficit. Seumanutafa’s decisive moment came three minutes from full-time, finishing off a sweep down the left flank after Canada capitalized on an England handling error deep in their own territory.
The triumph represents a monumental milestone for Canadian rugby. Beyond halting England’s long-standing unbeaten run, it marks Canada’s first victory over the Red Roses since 2016 and their first-ever triumph against England on home soil, having lost all 11 of their previous home encounters against the visiting side. It also marks the first defeat for England head coach John Mitchell since his appointment in late 2023.
The dramatic conclusion in Toronto builds upon a growing rivalry between the two nations. Just weeks earlier in September, Canada had halted England’s 39-match winning streak with a tense 26-26 draw in Exeter. This time, Kevin Rouet’s side went one step further, proving that their ability to match the world’s top-ranked side was no isolated occurrence.
A Tense and Physical Battle in Toronto
The match opened with intense physicality as England sought to establish early dominance. The Red Roses appeared to have taken an early lead when Claudia Moloney-MacDonald crossed the line, but the try was promptly ruled out following a review that detected a knock-on during the grounding.
Canada’s defense held firm under sustained pressure, denying the world champions any points for the opening half-hour. The momentum swung in Canada’s favor in the 13th minute when England fly-half Zoe Harrison was shown a yellow card. Capitalizing immediately on the player advantage, Canada pressed into England’s 22, allowing Savannah Bauder to cross the line in the 15th minute to open the scoring at 5-0.
England struggled to find their usual clinical touch in the opposition 22, hampered by disciplined Canadian defense and their own handling errors. However, after Canadian second-row Laetitia Royer was sin-binned in the 30th minute for a breakdown infringement, the Red Roses seized control before the break.
Maddie Feaunati forced her way over for England’s opening try in the 32nd minute, and Harrison—having returned from the sin-bin—struck soon after to score under the posts. Harrison converted both scores, sending England into the half-time break with a 14-5 lead.
Canada emerged for the second half with renewed intensity. Early in the half, Alysha Corrigan produced a moment of individual brilliance, slicing through the English defensive line for a stylish solo try to cut the deficit.
England responded swiftly to re-establish their authority. Prop Sarah Bern crashed over for a converted score, restoring England’s nine-point cushion at 21-12 and looking to put the contest out of reach.
Yet Canada refused to buckle. Approaching the final quarter of the match, Canada mounted a sustained period of heavy attacking play. Just past the hour mark, prop DaLeaka Menin powered through a tight English defense to score a converted try, bringing the hosts within two points at 21-19 and setting up a thrilling finish.
