England have been confirmed as facing Canada in the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 after an electric semi-final weekend in Bristol. This will be the first time that Canada has reached the finals of a World Cup in 11 years - with their last battle back in 2014 ending in England hoisting the trophy.
RWC semi-finals performances
Canada were confirmed as the first half of the final after their evening game on Friday, where they faced defending World Champions and world number three’s New Zealand. This was always going to be a nail-biting match, as the last time the two sides encountered each other it ended in a draw - meaning it was truly anyone’s game.
However, Canada’s sensational speed of play, aggressive set pieces and dynamic pack allowed them to control the game right from the first whistle. Although New Zealand were able to kick into gear from the 60th minute, their change in momentum came too late in such a crucial game, and the Maple Leafs were able to walk away with a comfortable victory 34 - 17.
Old Six Nations rivals France and England were next to step up to the semi-final stage, for a much more fiercely contested match than the preceding game. Despite being the underdogs, as they were playing in front of an English home ground and against an opposition ranked three spots higher than them, France dominated the first half with possession and attempts on their opposition’s try line.
However, they were unable to translate this momentum into a physical score, and trailed behind England from their very first try in the fourth minute. Despite it still be anyone’s match at half time, with England having a very marginal 7 - 5 lead, the Red Roses were able to kick into gear and prove why they are the highest ranked team in the world for the last 40 minutes.
England vs Canada final
This means that it will be a red and white final, as Canada and England both fight for the honour to lift that trophy and earn the title World Champions.
If they succeed, this will be England’s third World Cup title - but if Canada come away with the victory, they will make history with their first World Cup trophy, becoming only the fourth country to do so.
The two nations last faced each other nearly a year ago in October 2024, when England managed to come away with a 21 - 12 win. However, both teams have changed significantly in the last twelve months, especially the Canadian side who seem to have unstoppable momentum at the moment, meaning that all bets are off come Saturday.
This is sure to be an especially exciting game given that the Maple Leafs have an abundance of players who domestically play in the English Premiership Women’s League (PWR).
Not only does this mean they have a better understanding of the English style, but also means that ex and current teammates will be pitted against each other on the world stage. If they weren’t going to anyway, emotions are sure to run high.
To add to these dizzying emotional heights, the final is set to take place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, in front of a sold out crowd 82,000 strong.
This makes this match, between the two best teams in the world, the largest gathering for women’s rugby in history - a fitting end for a World Cup tournament that has blown expectations and records out of the water.
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