England suffer back-to-back defeats to Canada in rugby

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 24 Oct, 08:15 · Archive

England lost 31-22 to Canada in Ottawa, their second consecutive defeat to the same opponent in a week.

England lost 31-22 to Canada in the WXV Global Series in Ottawa, their second consecutive defeat to the same opponent in a week. The loss means England have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in a decade. Last week's 24-21 defeat in Toronto ended the Red Roses' 41-match unbeaten run, which had stretched back four years to November 2022.

Canada ran in five tries to England's three. Captain Sophie de Goede scored a hat-trick and also kicked three conversions. Julia Omokhuale, Savannah Bauder and Emma Sing also crossed for tries. For England, Maddie Feaunati scored in the opening ten minutes, Amy Cokayne added a second-half try, and Sing scored a late consolation. Zoe Harrison kicked a penalty.

England made a promising start with Feaunati's early try, but Canada hit back twice in quick succession to lead 12-7 at half-time. England briefly took the lead 17-12 after the break, but Canada reclaimed the advantage and extended it to 31-17 before England's late try made the final score 31-22.

Head coach John Mitchell said England need a 'new stimulus' after the defeat. He added that 'perhaps we have become a little bit predictable'. England have now lost multiple matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2016.

England face the USA in New Jersey next Friday in their final WXV Global Series match. A third consecutive defeat would be England's first such run since 2013. The Guardian suggests Canada are serious contenders for the 2029 World Cup trophy based on their recent improvement.

How it is being reported

• England fall to back-to-back defeats for first time in 10 yearsEngland had gone four years unbeaten before their 24-21 defeat to Canada in Toronto last weekIndependent Sport · 24 Oct, 08:52
• Red Roses suffer first back-to-back defeats in a decade against CanadaEngland slipped to their first back-to-back defeats in a decade after losing 31-22 to Canada in the WXV Global Series.Sky Sports · 24 Oct, 08:12
• Canada inflict back-to-back losses on EnglandEngland suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time in a decade as Canada win 31-22 in Ottawa, including a hat-trick for captain Sophie de Goede.BBC News · 24 Oct, 06:51
• England suffer back-to-back losses to CanadaWatch highlights as England were beaten by Canada for the second time in as many weeks, losing 31-22 in their WXV Global Series match in Ottawa, Canada.BBC Sport · 24 Oct, 02:53
• Red Roses suffer back-to-back defeats for first time in a decade as Canada make statementWXV: Canada 31-22 England England beaten in Ottawa for third loss in past 74 matches History-makers, era-enders, giant-slayers. Last Friday’s breaking of England’s unbeaten run was a statement 31-22 win for Canada but backing it up to deal the Red Roses their first consecutive loss in a decade sends 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…Guardian Sport · 24 Oct, 02:27
• Red Roses’ four-year record gone – but good for women’s rugby?November 12, 2022 - the date England's Red Roses last lost a Test match before suffering defeat to Canada in Toronto a week ago , four years on.Sky Sports · 22 Oct, 15:12

In this story: England · Canada · Sophie de Goede · John Mitchell · Ottawa · Toronto · USA

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