Red Roses suffer back-to-back defeats for first time in 10 years as Canada make statement

England’s Red Roses suffered consecutive losses for the first time in a decade as Canada won their WXV women’s rugby match 31-22 in Ottawa. Photograph: Justin Tang/The Canadian Press/AP

History-makers, era-enders, giant-slayers. Breaking England’s unbeaten run was a statement for Canada last Friday but they backed it up in a 31-22 win to deal the Red Roses their first consecutive loss in a decade, sending a formidable message to the rest of world rugby.

Some may view it as too early to call but Canada are serious contenders for the World Cup trophy in 2029, especially if they progress at the same rate that their performances have improved in just a year from that World Cup final loss to England in 2025.