Canada halts England’s 39-match winning streak in 26-26 draw at Sandy Park

Key points

• The match concluded 26-26, ending England’s 39-game winning streak that began after their 2022 World Cup final loss to New Zealand.
• Canada became the first team to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand in 2022, though England remains unbeaten in 40 Tests.
• Claudia Moloney-MacDonald scored two tries for England, while DaLeaka Menin and Lizzie Gibson scored two each for Canada.
• The draw ended England’s 100% home record against Canada, having won their previous 13 home meetings.
• A 14,573 crowd watched the match at Sandy Park, Exeter, under grey, drizzle-threatening skies.

Background

England’s Red Roses had won every match since their 2022 World Cup final loss to New Zealand, establishing one of the purest winning sequences in world sport. They had also maintained a 100% home record against Canada, winning their previous 13 home meetings. Canada had reached the 2025 World Cup final, demonstrating the ability and spirit that took them all the way to that stage.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport emphasized the 'nail-biting' nature of the draw and the end of England’s 39-match winning run. The Guardian highlighted Canada’s 'wonderfully committed' performance and noted that England lacked their 'customary forward dynamism,' with Ellie Kildunne consistently denied space. The Guardian also pointed out that Canada frequently looked more dangerous with ball in hand, using close quarter pick-and-go pressure. Sky Sports provided live updates but the content was unavailable. ESPN returned a 403 error. John Mitchell, England’s head coach, acknowledged the 'ding-dong' nature of the match but stated that 'greater things will come as a result of this' and that 'one Test match isn’t going to take us away from our purpose.'

Why it matters

The draw ended one of the purest winning sequences in world sport and England’s perfect home record against Canada. It demonstrated Canada’s ability to compete at the highest level and highlighted areas where England’s forward dynamism and tempo needed improvement. The result also set up two further WXV series Tests this autumn, where Canada will host England.

What to watch

England and Canada will face each other in two further WXV series Tests this autumn. England will need to address their forward dynamism and tempo, while Canada will look to build on their performance and potentially secure a victory in the upcoming matches.