England beat Canada 21-12 to retain their title in Sunday’s WXV1 decider in Vancouver.
The Canadian hosts put the Red Roses under intense pressure, but the reigning champions fought back to extend their winning streak to 20 matches with a nine-point win.
Canada took the early lead with a penalty in the opening minutes of the game, but England responded quickly.
Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Byrne and Maud Muir each put the defending champions on the scoresheet with a try, while Helen Rowland kicked three conversions.
Midway through the second period, Canada took the lead on penalty kicks, but couldn’t keep the momentum going.
Canada’s Alisha Corrigan breaks into defense during the WXV1 Pool match between Canada and England
England faced a further challenge in the second half when full-back Ellie Kildoon was booked, leaving them a man down.
After a defensive battle between the two sides, Byrne restored England’s lead after breaking up the Canadians’ tackle at the try line.
Aldcroft’s late try secured victory for England, who have not lost a game since their dramatic 2022 World Cup loss to New Zealand.
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