One loss isn’t a losing streak, but dropping two in a row is cause for concern.
That’s exactly where the England Red Roses find themselves following Friday’s 31-22 setback in Ottawa, falling to Canada for a second time in the Rugby Rematch Tour of the WXV Global Series.
It marked the second straight win for the Canadian women over the top-ranked English side following last week’s 24-21 triumph in Toronto. It also marked the first time England has lost two consecutive matches since 2016.
The win in Toronto also snapped the Red Roses’ 41-game unbeaten streak. Canada also ended England’s 39-game winning streak with a 26-26 draw last September in Exeter.
“Immensely proud and it’s so special for us to do it on home soil, too,” said Canadian captain de Goede. “The crowd has been incredible, too. Very, very proud of our team and very proud of the showing we had as Canadian fans as well and the incredible events that Rugby Canada put on.
“Within our team we’ve talked about it a lot about backing up a great performance with another one so to be able to have such a strong performance this weekend is something that we’ll hold on to for the next few months until we can get together again.”
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De Goede scored two tries to lead Canada while Julia Omokhuale, DaLeaka Menin and Savannah Bauder also had tries in front of 14,117 fans.
The crowd was not quite the record-breaking gathering of 18,621 that attended the match in Toronto last Friday to set a North American record for attendance at a women’s rugby match, but they were extremely vocal.
The fans were boisterous, erupting each time the Canadian side gained some momentum. They even took the time to serenade England captain Megan Jones with Happy Birthday as she was celebrating her 30th birthday.
“I like to say that the crowd is like the 16th player on the field,” said Omokhuale, who was named the Player of the Game.
“It’s just so exciting to play at home two weeks in a row and see the turnout with the people that came from all over to watch this game. To see the next generation of girls who get to see Canada win against England on their home soil in their backyard is exciting and I can’t wait to see grassroots rugby getting not just girls, but boys interested in playing.”
Oliva Apps, who was part of the squad that fell to England in the final of the 2025 World Cup, has witnessed the growth of the sport in recent months and to be able to showcase the sport at home has been a huge bonus.
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“It’s been incredible playing at home here the past two weeks and feeling the support of the rugby community,” Apps said.
“The support of rugby in Canada of the past year since our World Cup campaign, I think we’ve really felt it in our program and to be able to play the world champions at home has been an incredible experience.”
Even the Red Roses were impressed with the support their advisories received. Emma Sing said post match that it was inspiring to see such big crowds these past two weeks.
“Nice to see so many people out there behind the Canadians. It’s good to see that women’s rugby is bringing growth in the crowd,” Sing said. “The crowd gave them extra energy and gives them almost a 16th player because it’s so loud out there. They used it really well.”
The first half was a lot of bend but no break for both sides as each nation had opportunities but the score was just 12-7 after 40 minutes.
Maddie Feaunati opened the scoring with a try for the Red Roses in the eighth minute and after the conversion by Zoe Harrison England led 7-0.
Canada got that back with a try from Omokhuale in the 16th minute that was converted by de Goede, who then scored a try of her own on a long run to give Canada a 12-7 edge at halftime.
The Red Roses struck quickly for 10 points early in the second half using a drop goal from Harrison and a try for Amy Cokayne to take a 17-12 lead.
Canada quickly regained the lead on de Goede’s second try and conversion of the match gave Canada a 19-17 lead in the 55th minute. Menin and Bauder then scored in the 62nd and 64th minutes to put Canada up 31-17.
Emma Sing scored a try in the 81st minute to pull England to within 31-22, but after a failed conversion the final whistle blew.
