The Rugby Paper Roundup: Red Roses’ unbeaten run ends! Canada’s rise, WXV & PWR season preview

After 41 matches without defeat, the Red Roses have finally been beaten, with Canada claiming a dramatic 24-21 victory in Toronto.

But is this a warning sign for England, or exactly what women’s international rugby needs?

In this week’s special edition of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by The Guardian’s Sarah Rendell to examine Canada’s remarkable rise, what went wrong for John Mitchell‘s world champions and how England can respond in Friday’s rematch in Ottawa.

England’s unbeaten run ends

We discuss…

• How Canada overturned England’s advantage to claim a historic victory
• Whether England have become too reliant on forward dominance
• What John Mitchell needs to change
• Whether defeat could make the Red Roses stronger

The rise of Canada

After losing the 2025 World Cup final, Canada have now drawn and beaten England in successive meetings.

How have they closed the gap so quickly, and can they establish themselves as the dominant force in women’s rugby?

Why WXV matters

We explore the importance of regular competitive internationals, growing women’s rugby beyond its traditional strongholds and creating meaningful rivalries ahead of the 2029 World Cup.

England v Canada – Ottawa preview

Can England bounce back on Friday, or will Canada make it two consecutive victories over the world champions?

PWR season preview

With the Premiership Women’s Rugby season approaching, we discuss…

• Saracens‘ title defence
• Trailfinders’ impressive form
• Gloucester-Hartpury’s ambitions
• The players and teams to watch this season
• Plus, the Black Ferns’ emphatic victory over France and the wider future of women’s international rugby.

Join the debate

Is England losing actually good for women’s rugby? Can Canada win again in Ottawa? And who will win the PWR? Let us know!

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