England’s Red Roses have finally banished the ghosts of Rugby World Cups past, clinching a memorable 33-13 victory over Canada in front of a record-shattering crowd at Twickenham on Saturday, September 27, 2025. After heartbreaking final defeats in 2017 and 2022, John Mitchell’s side delivered a performance brimming with composure, power, and flair, reclaiming the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy for the first time in 11 years and rewriting the history books of the women’s game.
The final, played before 81,885 roaring fans—the largest audience ever for a women’s rugby match—capped a tournament that’s been hailed as a generational moment for the sport. The numbers alone tell a story of unprecedented growth: England sold over 440,000 tickets out of 470,000 available, smashing organizers’ expectations by a full 100,000. From a record-setting opening crowd of 42,723 to the deafening crescendo at Twickenham, it was clear women’s rugby had reached new heights.
“We are witnessing a generational moment,” declared World Cup managing director Sarah Massey, reflecting on the incredible scenes that unfolded throughout the tournament. The Red Roses, who entered the final riding a 33-game unbeaten streak and holding the world’s top ranking, were determined not to let history repeat itself. Thirteen of the 23-strong squad had tasted the agony of defeat in 2022, including World Player of the Year 2024 Ellie Kildunne and captain Alex Matthews, now a veteran of four World Cups.
England’s redemption was forged in the crucible of past disappointments. In 2017, they fell 41-32 to a rampant New Zealand side, conceding tries at pivotal moments. The 2022 final in Auckland was another gut-wrencher: a red card to wing Lydia Thompson left them shorthanded, and despite leading 14-0, they succumbed 34-31 to the Black Ferns in the dying minutes. This time, the Red Roses were determined to seize the big moments rather than let them slip away.
And seize them they did. On Saturday, England’s defense stood tall when it mattered most. Canada, seeking their first-ever World Cup title and aiming to become the first primarily amateur team to topple a fully professional England, were repeatedly repelled at the try line. Zoe Harrison’s crucial turnover in the first half denied Canada a certain seven points, while the Red Roses survived a tense spell with Hannah Botterman in the sin-bin, holding firm even as Canada pressed hard to narrow the gap. Twice, Abbie Ward stole Canadian lineouts deep in England’s 22, swinging momentum back to the hosts. Every time Canada threatened, England responded with grit and guile.
On attack, the Red Roses were ruthless. Tries came from all corners: full-back Ellie Kildunne, hooker Amy Cokayne, lock Abbie Ward, and two from the indefatigable Alex Matthews. Fly-half Zoe Harrison was perfect from the tee, slotting four conversions. England’s evolution from a set-piece-dominated outfit to a team boasting creative backs was on full display. Kildunne, whose tournament magic has dazzled fans, and centre Meg Jones, a nominee for 2025’s World Player of the Year, brought a new dimension to England’s game. As head coach John Mitchell put it, “We definitely have power and depth. We’re probably a little bit one-dimensional, and sometimes success can create a focus on outcome and results, and I think that doesn’t necessarily improve your performance.” This squad, however, showed they could win in multiple ways.
The crowd played its part, too. The electric atmosphere at Twickenham, described by scrum-half Natasha Hunt as “the 16th member of the team,” lifted England to new heights. “He [Mitchell] has just kept it simple. He has been honest, sometimes brutally honest but I like that. He has got this week bang on. We played on the 16th member of the team – the crowd,” Hunt explained. The support was not just loud but historic, with over 30% of fans bringing children and a third attending their first rugby match. Surveys revealed that 90% of first-time attendees wanted to return, a testament to the tournament’s impact.
This World Cup was about more than just the action on the field. It was a celebration of progress, inclusion, and legacy. From dedicated spaces for breastfeeding mothers and free period products to a tournament led and organized by women, the event set new standards for accessibility and family-friendliness. The expansion to 16 teams, including returns for Ireland, Spain, and Samoa and a debut for Brazil—the first South American qualifier—underscored the global growth of women’s rugby. Canada’s journey, which included crowdfunding CA$1 million to support their preparations, and South Africa’s first-ever quarterfinal appearance after upsetting Italy, added layers of drama and inspiration.
England’s triumph was built on the shoulders of pioneers. The first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991 was organized by four women from London’s Richmond club, with players paying their own way and wearing men’s jerseys. It took until 1998 for World Rugby to officially sanction the tournament, and only in 2009 did it retroactively endorse the early editions. The Red Roses themselves didn’t play at Twickenham until 2003—almost a century after the stadium opened its doors to men. This year, the UK government’s £14.5 million investment in grassroots facilities and female coaching staff signaled a commitment to sustaining the game’s explosive growth.
The Red Roses’ journey wasn’t without its challenges. Online abuse remains a persistent issue, with women’s players receiving 30% more than their male counterparts. Yet, the team’s response has been one of resilience and unity. As 19-year-old Michella’e Stolz told her Fijian teammates after a heavy defeat, “I need you to hear me: A scoreboard cannot measure the value of this team. Win or lose, your worth does not change. You’re more than a result.” The message resonated across the tournament, with Wales’ Georgia Evans proudly donning a pink bow and inspiring fans to embrace individuality.
Looking ahead, the future of women’s rugby appears brighter than ever. The redesigned WXV competition will offer each team more matches in the lead-up to the 2029 World Cup in Australia, aiming to close the gap in development and competitiveness. England, buoyed by their home triumph and the promise of a new generation of players, are determined to stay ahead of the curve.
As World Cup competition director Yvonne Nolan summed it up: “Anybody who didn’t realize what a special thing we have in women’s rugby, they absolutely know now.” The Red Roses’ victory at Twickenham wasn’t just a win for England—it was a defining moment for the sport, a celebration of how far women’s rugby has come, and a bold statement about where it’s headed next.
