England’s four-year winning streak ends on 39 games as they are held by Canada
England's women's rugby team saw their 39-game winning streak end after a 26-26 draw against Canada. Despite intense pressure in the final minutes, England could not secure a victory at Sandy Park.
Why it matters
The result marks the end of a historic period of dominance for the England team, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of international women's rugby.
England’s four-year winning run came to an end as they were held to a 26-26 draw by a Canada side they beat in last year’s World Cup final.
A thrilling eight-try game was level at the hour mark after Olivia Apps crossed for Canada in what turned out to be the final score of the contest.
England pushed for their 40th straight win in the closing stages but were held at bay by determined defending from the visitors at Exeter’s Sandy Park.
New Zealand remain the last team to have beaten the Red Roses, in the 2022 World Cup final.
Canada led after five minutes when Lizzie Gibson went over but Sophie de Goede missed the conversion.
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