England Thrash Canada 33-13 in a Landmark Women's Rugby World Cup Final

What Happened at Twickenham?

On a crisp September evening, Twickenham Stadium became the stage for a historic showdown: England versus Canada in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup final. The hosts rolled out a 33-13 victory, a margin that shocked many pundits who had expected a tighter contest. From the first whistle, England’s forwards imposed a physical rhythm that Canada struggled to match.

Jessica “Jez” Harrison, England’s captain, won the toss and elected to kick for goal, a decision that set the tone. A quick penalty from Sarah Collins put the hosts on the board, and the momentum never really left them. By halftime, England led 20-6, thanks to two well‑timed tries by winger Maya Roberts and a powerful drive from scrum‑half Keira O’Neill.

Key Players and Game‑Changing Moments

The star of the night was undoubtedly centre Laura Bennett, who racked up three tries and a handful of line breaks that left the Canadian defence grasping at air. Her third try, a blinding sprint from her own 22, capped a 70‑meter move that showcased England’s depth across the backline.

Canada had moments of brilliance, especially from fly‑half Emily Tremblay, whose accurate kicking kept England honest in the first half. Her 45‑meter penalty just before the break narrowed the gap to 20‑13, hinting at a possible comeback.

However, a turning point arrived early in the second half when England’s flanker, Zoe Matthews, forced a turnover at the 55‑minute mark. The resulting lineout gave England possession inside Canada’s 22, and a swift pass to Roberts resulted in the fourth try of the match, extending the lead to 27‑13.

Canada’s hopes revived briefly when they earned a penalty after a forward‑pack infringement, and Tremblay slotted it away, bringing the score to 33‑13. Yet, England’s defense held firm, shutting down any further Canadian attacks and sealing the victory.

Beyond the scoreboard, the match highlighted the growing depth of women's rugby in England. The squad featured a blend of seasoned veterans and breakout stars from the Premier 15s league, indicating a robust pipeline for future talent.

For Canada, the loss is a bittersweet reminder of their ascent in the global game. Their performance throughout the tournament—especially the gritty semi‑final win over New Zealand—proved they belong among the elite, even if the final proved a step too far.