Sophie de Goede scored three tries as Canada defeated England 31-22 in Ottawa on October 23, 2026. The result secured back-to-back victories against the world’s top-ranked side in front of 14,117 spectators at TD Place, extending Canada’s unbeaten streak against the Red Roses to three matches.
The victory on October 23, 2026, followed a 24-21 win in Toronto the previous week. John Mitchell’s English side remains secure in the number one world ranking despite the back-to-back defeats.
Sophie De Goede Scores Three Tries
Playing at TD Place in Ottawa, the Canadian side overcame an early deficit after England opened the scoring with a try from Maddie Feaunati. Zoe Harrison converted to make it 7-0.
Julia Omokhualu responded for Canada. Sophie de Goede capitalized on a turnover won by Gabrielle Senft to put the hosts ahead 12-7 at halftime.
England reclaimed the lead early in the second half through a penalty from Harrison and a driving maul try by Amy Cokayne, bringing the score to 17-12. However, de Goede punched through the defensive line to regain the lead for Canada, sparking a run that stretched the advantage to 31-17.
A late try by Emma Sing after the final siren came too late for the Red Roses.
England Faces United States Next
The consecutive losses mark a rare downturn for England, echoing a stretch in 2016 when the Red Roses dropped matches to France in the Six Nations and subsequently to Canada.
With the latest result refereed by France’s Aurélie Groizeleau, Canada is now undefeated in its last three meetings with England. The team had previously secured a 26-26 draw in Exeter in September.
Under Kevin Rouet, the Canadian team has lost only three of its last 22 international matches—falling solely to England in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final, New Zealand, and France.
England has won just one of its last four fixtures and will travel to face the United States on Friday, October 30, 2026, seeking a rebound.
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