Twickenham Stadium was a sea of red and white on September 27, 2025, as the England Women’s Rugby team, affectionately known as the Red Roses, etched their names in sporting history by clinching their third Women’s Rugby World Cup. The energy in the stadium was electric, with a record-shattering crowd of 81,885 fans roaring England to victory over Canada. This wasn’t just a win—it was a coronation of a team that has redefined the limits of women’s rugby and set new standards for the sport.
From the very beginning of the tournament, the Red Roses carried the weight of expectation. They were the overwhelming favorites, entering the final on an astonishing 32-match unbeaten run, with six consecutive Grand Slams to their name. The pressure was immense and unrelenting. Yet, under the stewardship of coach John Mitchell, appointed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) with this very moment in mind, the team’s self-belief never wavered. Their mission was clear: redemption after the heartbreak of a narrow loss to New Zealand’s Black Ferns in the 2022 final.
“We talked frequently about this being our Everest,” Mitchell reflected after the match. “Our culture guided us to this.” The Red Roses’ journey was about more than just the fifteen players on the field; it was about the collective strength of all 32 squad members. As Zoe Aldcroft said, “It’s taken 32 of us to be able to do today.” The celebrations at the final whistle were a testament to this unity—Aldcroft leaping into Marlie Packer’s arms, Emily Scarratt mobbed by Jess Breach, and the entire squad sharing in the ecstasy of victory.
The final itself was a showcase of England’s dominance and resilience. Canada, led by the exceptional Sophie de Goede, struck first with Asia Hogan-Rochester crossing the line early. But England responded in emphatic fashion. Ellie Kildunne produced a breathtaking solo try, weaving through defenders with apparent ease. The forwards asserted their authority, with Amy Cokayne and the tireless Alex Matthews powering over from the rolling maul. By halftime, England led 21-7, a margin that could have been even greater if not for a disallowed try.
After the break, Abbie Ward extended the lead, but Canada refused to wilt. Hannah Botterman’s sin-binning for a tip tackle gave the Canadians a glimmer of hope, and Hogan-Rochester seized the moment to score her second. The tension was palpable as Canada threatened again, only to be denied by a crucial knock-on just meters from the try line. That moment seemed to break Canadian resistance, and as the Red Roses’ bench injected fresh energy, Matthews surged over for her second try with ten minutes remaining. From there, England managed the game with poise, sealing a famous victory.
“I could not believe that we have done this. We have spoken about inspiring the nation and putting women’s rugby on the map and honestly, I think we have done this throughout the whole tournament,” Aldcroft declared. The Red Roses’ triumph is not just a sporting achievement; it’s a cultural moment for England. The team’s journey from the heartbreak of Auckland in 2022 to World Cup immortality at Twickenham has inspired a new generation of fans and players alike.
Off the field, the impact of this World Cup has been seismic. Attendance records were obliterated, and the visibility of women’s rugby in England has soared to unprecedented heights. Social media buzzed with support, and stadiums across the country were packed for every Red Roses match. The nation embraced its new heroines, and the legacy of this team now stands alongside that of the Lionesses in women’s football.
Much of England’s success can be traced to bold decisions made behind the scenes. In 2016, the RFU launched a new domestic league, the Premier 15s, investing £2.4 million to raise standards in coaching, sports science, and medical support. Two years later, full-time central contracts for 28 players were introduced, allowing the Red Roses to focus solely on rugby. Deborah Griffin, RFU president and a pioneer of the women’s game, described these changes as transformative: “Our biggest strength in this whole tournament is our strength in depth. You don’t worry about who’s coming off the bench, because they’re often as good as the people on the field.”
This professionalization has paid off handsomely. Since 2019, England has lost only twice in 73 matches, capturing six straight Grand Slams and the WXV title before this World Cup. The Premier 15s, now known as the PWR, has become the world’s leading domestic women’s rugby competition, attracting international stars and raising the bar for the sport globally. However, the journey hasn’t been without financial challenges. The women’s program remains a loss-maker for the RFU, but the commitment from sponsors like O2 and a growing fan base suggest a bright future.
The Red Roses’ victory was celebrated by fans and royalty alike. Catherine, Princess of Wales, who serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union, was a visible supporter throughout the tournament. On the day of the final, she posted a message of encouragement on Instagram: “Good luck England! Wishing the very best of luck to the @redrosesrugby in their Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham today. We’re so proud of you! C.” After the match, she congratulated the team in the locker room, expressing her admiration: “What an amazing game, well done everybody. It was a big nerve wracking, I’m not going to lie, to start off. But no, incredible. You did brilliantly, so fantastic. Amazing to have the crowds that you’ve had. You must really feel the energy from everybody, so hope you’ve felt the support.”
The personal journeys of the players added another layer to the story. From Emily Scarratt, competing in her fifth World Cup, to Marlie Packer, the former captain, the squad was a tapestry of resilience and determination. Many overcame adversity—near-career-ending injuries, personal loss, and the challenges of breaking into a sport that was once on the fringes. Their openness about grief, self-doubt, and the realities of elite sport has made them relatable role models for young athletes everywhere.
As the Red Roses paraded the World Cup trophy around Twickenham, tens of thousands of fans—young and old—soaked in the moment. The pressure was immense, the stakes sky-high, but when it mattered most, England delivered. Their legacy is secure, and the future of women’s rugby in England has never looked brighter.
