England secured back-to-back WXV1 titles with a classy 21-12 comeback victory against Canada. It was a 20th successive win for the Red Roses and confirmed them as the hot favourites for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in August. In a tightly fought contest, England outlasted the home side with three tries and stout defence.
Canada pushed England in the 2022 World Cup semi‑finals, and defeated New Zealand to win the Pacific Four Series this year. With big WXV victories against France and Ireland, they entered this showdown as world No 2. If anyone could beat England it was Canada, and if it was ever to happen, it was now.