Rugby Union

England women suffer rare back-to-back losses to Canada

By AAP Newswire

Oct 24, 2026

The powerhouse England women's rugby team have slipped to their first back-to-back defeats in a decade after falling 31-22 to Canada in the WXV Global Series.

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Maddie Feaunti gave the Red Roses a promising start in Ottawa with a try in the opening 10 minutes, converted by Zoe Harrison.

But the Red Roses were unable to avenge last week's 24-21 defeat in Toronto, which brought their four-year unbeaten run to an end.

World No.1 England overturned a half-time deficit to briefly take a 17-12 lead after the break.

Hooker Amy Cokayne was among the try scorers, having missed three home matches last month with a calf injury before returning against third-ranked Canada last week.

But Canada reclaimed the advantage minutes later before extending their lead to 31-17, with captain Sophie de Goede completing a hat-trick as the hosts pulled clear.

Emma Sing crossed for England in the game's dying minutes to reduce the deficit, but it was ultimately too little too late.

Lock De Goede rounded out her stellar performance with three successful conversions, while Zoe Harrison kicked the only penalty goal of the match in the 42nd minute.

England wrap up their WXV Global Series campaign with a match against the US in New Jersey on Friday.