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Canada squares off against England in a rematch of the 2025 World Cup final. This time the match takes place in the southwest at a sold out Sandy Park. It’s the first of three tests between the two sides in the coming weeks. This contest is part of the WXV series, while the Maple Leafs will host the Red Roses twice in Ontario next month as part of the Rugby Rematch tour.
| FORM GUIDE |
Current World Ranking: 1 (98.09 points)
2026-09-12 – England 48, Australia 15 (Salford)
2026-05-17 – France 28, England 43 (Bordeaux)
2026-05-09 – Italy 33, England 61 (Parma)
2026-04-25 – England 62, Wales 24 (Bristol)
2026-04-18 – Scotland 7, England 84 (Edinburgh)
Current World Ranking: 3 (89.78 points)
2026-09-12 – Scotland 26, Canada 64 (Edinburgh)
2026-04-24 – USA 12, Canada 50 (Chicago)
2026-04-17 – Canada 14, New Zealand 36 (Kansas City)
2026-04-11 – Canada 24, Australia 0 (Sacramento)
2025-09-27 – England 33, Canada 13 (London) *RWC Final
| STARTING LINEUP CHANGES |
|
IN | OUT |
| 1 | Hannah Botterman | Mackenzie Carson |
| 2 | Bryony Field | May Campbell |
| 3 | Maud Muir | Sarah Bern |
| 4 | Morwenna Talling | Delaney Burns |
| 8 | Alex Matthews | Mattie Feaunati |
| 9 | Lucy Packer | Natasha Hunt |
| 10 | Zoe Harrison | Holly Aitchison |
| 12 | Helena Rowland | Tatyana Heard |
| 14 | Jess Breach | Mia Venner |
|
IN | OUT |
| 1 | Mikiela Nelson | Brittany Kassil |
| 4 | Sophie de Goede | Gabrielle Senft |
| 14 | Asia Hogan-Rochester | Fancy Bermudez |
| NOTES |
- the win over Australia last weekend means that England have now rattled off a record 39 consecutive test victories… their last defeat came at the hands of New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup Final at Auckland
- the Red Roses have dominated the head-to-head series against Canada, with 14 straight wins dating back to 2016… notably Canada was defeated by just 7 points in the 2022 World Cup Semi Final
- John Mitchell has made sweeping changes to his lineup, with his strongest selection a reflection of Canada’s standing near the top of the World Rankings
- the Canadians meanwhile have largely kept the same lineup that defeated Scotland… loosehead prop Brittany Kassil misses out due to suspension… Sophie de Goede comes in to skipper the side with Gabrielle Senft swapping to the bench… Asia Hogan-Rochester is restored on the right wing
| QUOTES |
John Mitchell (Head Coach)
“This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the number one and number three teams in the world. You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. They are a well-coached team who will bring a different challenge to the one Australia presented. We will be expected to raise our standards.”
Kévin Rouet (Head Coach)
“It’s always an exciting challenge to go against England. This is why you coach and play, to test yourself against the best. Playing England in England is never easy but this is the first of three opportunities we have to play against them, the next two will be in Canada so this week is another step in our journey to test ourselves and make sure we are ready to perform in Canada in front of our fans.”
| PREDICTION |
Mild and slightly breezy conditions are on the forecast. The English forwards got the better of the Canadians in their last meeting, and should expect again to have the edge though the Maple Leafs do have an outstanding back row trio held in reserve. Zoe Harrison’s tactical kicking will be critical, while the head-to-head between world class centers Megan Jones and Flo Symonds is one to watch. Look for another entertaining match but until the Red Roses are beaten, it’s hard to bet against them. England are clear favorites in London.
| TEAMS |
ENGLAND
1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews, 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Zoe Harrison, 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Helena Rowland, 13 Megan Jones (capt.), 14 Jess Breach, 15 Ellie Kildunne
Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Marlie Packer, 22 Flo Robinson, 23 Holly Aitchison
CANADA
1 Mikiela Nelson, 2 Kiki Idowu, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Sophie de Goede (capt.), 5 Laetitia Royer, 6 Rachel Smith, 7 Julia Omokhuale, 8 Lizzie Gibson, 9 Olivia Apps, 10 Taylor Perry, 11 Charity Williams, 12 Alex Tessier, 13 Florence Symonds, 14 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 15 Claire Gallagher
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Sophie McDonald, 18 Brooke Rempel, 19 Fabiola Forteza, 20 Pamphinette Buisa, 21 Gabrielle Senft, 22 Justine Pelletier, 23 Savannah Bauder
| MATCH INFO |
Date: Saturday, September 19
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Kickoff: 15:00 local (07:00 Pacific, 10:00 Eastern)
Weather Forecast: sunny, chance of a shower, 66°F (19°C), wind SW 13-20mph (21-32km/h)
Broadcasts: TSN 5 (Canada), RugbyPass TV
| OFFICIALS |
Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy)
Assistants: Aurélie Groizeleau (France) & Alexandra Ferré (France)
TMO: Matteo Liparini (Italy)
| HISTORY |
HEAD-TO-HEAD (38): England 34, Canada 3, Draw 1
2025-09-27 – England 33, Canada 13 (London)
2024-10-13 – Canada 12, England 21 (Vancouver)
2023-10-27 – Canada 12, England 45 (Dunedin)
2023-09-30 – England 29, Canada 12 (London)
2023-09-23 – England 50, Canada 24 (Exeter)
2022-11-05 – Canada 19, England 26 (Auckland)
2021-11-14 – England 51, Canada 12 (London)
2019-07-06 – Canada 17, England 19 (Chula Vista)
2018-11-18 – England 27, Canada 19 (Doncaster)
2017-11-25 – England 69, Canada 19 (London)
2017-11-21 – England 49, Canada 12 (London)
