England made amends for their two previous final defeats to be crowned world champions with a 33-13 victory over Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Red Roses, touted as pre-tournament favourites, proved unstoppable on home turf, and they were spurred on by their superstar full-back Ellie Kildunne, who struck the hosts’ first try at Twickenham.
John Mitchell’s side were stunned in the opening exchanges as Asia Hogan-Rochester silenced the Home of Rugby, but Kildunne responded almost instantaneously to dot down.
The Red Roses’ onslaught continued after that, with Amy Cokayne bundling over on 19 minutes, while the relentless Alex Matthews bagged a brace either side of half time. Abbie Ward’s dogged performance was rewarded with a try of her own.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for England, as Hannah Botterman saw a yellow card and was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle, and the visitors threatened to take full advantage as Hogan-Rochester touched down for her second.
But ultimately, the Maple Leaves did not have enough, and the Red Roses are champions of the world for the first time since 2014.
