A final reflection on a record-breaking 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
England are world champions again. In front of a record-breaking 81,885 fans at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, the Red Roses defeated Canada 33–13 to claim their third Rugby World Cup title and their first in 11 years, following triumphs in 1994 and 2004.
For those who lived through the 2022 World Cup final, the pain was still there. That memory had lingered with this team ever since, but in 2025, redemption was theirs.
One of the defining moments came long before kick-off. As the Red Roses and Canadians approached the stadium, thousands formed a tunnel of support while hundreds more stood overlooking from the stands. Men and women, young and old, waved flags and donned rodeo hats, creating a sea of red and white. A drum line beat in unison and pyrotechnics lit up the ground as both teams marched toward the arena.
The pitch was set as 46 players stepped out to an electrifying ovation. Big smiles, teary eyes, and glitter lit up our screens. Those few moments captured the heartbeat of everything this sport has been striving for.
After years of urging people to show up and stand behind women’s rugby, the message had landed. In a world so often overshadowed by crisis, may we never forget that on this day, millions chose women’s sport, they chose rugby.
Canada struck first, with Asia Hogan-Rochester crossing in just the fourth minute. Three minutes later, momentum swung when Ellie Kildunne, from 40 metres out, stepped past a handful of Canadian defenders and scored under the posts. England would go on to run in three more tries before halftime, seizing control of the contest.
The numbers told an intriguing story. Canada dominated possession (60%) and territory (57%) and made 175 runs to England’s 90. Yet while flashy attack often makes headlines, it was defence that defined this final. England made a staggering 209 tackles, 102 more than Canada’s 107 and built a commanding 20-point lead. Canada’s lightning-fast two-second ruck speed, the quickest seen in this tournament, was neutralised by a Red Roses defensive wall that refused to break.
There was a moment of drama when Red Roses prop, Hannah Botterman made a high tackle on Canadian flanker Karen Paquin. At first glance, it looked red-card worthy and, for a moment, it felt as though history might repeat itself, reducing the Red Roses to 14 players however, referee Hollie Davidson opted for a yellow card instead. Even then, there was no panic. England stayed composed, absorbing wave after wave of Canadian attack.
When the final whistle blew, the elation was unmistakable, none more so than on the face of captain Zoe Aldcroft. Having been part of three consecutive World Cups and three finals, she had never lifted the trophy. Now, at long last, Aldcroft and the Red Roses stood on top of the world and did so on home soil. That is a privilege many will imagine but few will ever achieve.
This Red Roses side is rewriting history. The last time they lost was the 2022 World Cup final. Three years on and 33 games later, they remain undefeated and have reclaimed the world title. They have now won 63 of their past 64 matches, cementing their place as the most dominant women’s rugby team ever.
Commiserations to Canada, who have been immense throughout this campaign. From Julia Schell’s six-try haul in their opening pool match against Fiji to knocking out the Black Ferns and securing their first final berth since 2011, Canada took it to the very end and challenged the world’s best.
As celebrations continue, attention will soon turn to what’s next. Australia is locked in to host the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup. England Rugby and World Rugby together have redefined what it looks like to host a successful campaign. The challenge now for every nation is to harness that momentum and turn it into a four-year plan that lifts the women’s game to new heights. The journey will look different for each nation, but the time to commit to elevating the women’s game is now.
Over the past six weeks, 16 nations have come together and created magic. Record-breaking crowds, both in stadiums and online, were matched by moments that captured rugby’s soul: bubble ponytails, dance circles, Spice Girls merch, Shania Twain’s support, royalty in the stands, and hand-crafted gifts shared between fans and players. It was these storylines that made this tournament truly special.
A new era of women’s rugby isn’t coming, it’s here.
On a personal note...
The 2025 Rugby World Cup has carried a different weight. I wasn’t selected for Australia, and the dream of playing in a second World Cup wasn’t to be. That’s a hard truth I’m still learning to sit with, but The Female Athlete Project became more than just a project. It gave me purpose when I needed it most. A way to stay close to the game I lo
ve, to pick up the pen again, and to celebrate rugby in all its beauty. With every article, a small piece of me healed. So, to everyone who’s read, shared, and followed along, thank you. It’s been a beautiful privilege to stand for this game, even from the other side of the white line.
Written by Sera Naiqama. Wallaroo, Super Rugby Women's player and pundit.
The [female] athlete project is Australia's fastest-growing women's sports platform, spotlighting the stories and achievements of women in sport. Listen to the weekly podcast the wrap on apple or spotify, or sign up to our weekly newsletter here.
Leave a comment