England's 39-win run ends in 26-26 draw with Canada

England's 39-match winning run is over. Canada held the Red Roses to a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday 19 September 2026 in the WXV Global Series.

England are still unbeaten in 40 Tests. But this was the first time they had failed to win since New Zealand beat them in the 2022 World Cup final, according to BBC Sport.

It was a rematch with an edge. England beat Canada 33-13 to win the Women's Rugby World Cup on 27 September 2025, Reuters reported. A crowd of 14,573 packed into Sandy Park for the return, with Italy's Clara Munarini as referee.

The sides were locked at 19-19 at half-time. The pace never dropped. Both teams chased the win late on, but neither could land the decisive score.

England scored four tries, each worth five points. Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald crossed twice, with prop Hannah Botterman and hooker Bryony Field also touching down. Fly-half Zoe Harrison added three conversions, the kicks at goal taken after a try.

Canada stayed toe to toe throughout. Prop DaLeaka Menin powered over for two tries. Scrum-half Olivia Apps, the playmaker who moves the ball away from the breakdown, then scored after a strong run by Sophie de Goede set her free.

The result ended England's perfect home record against Canada. They had won all 13 previous home meetings before this draw.

It was also a homecoming of sorts. The Red Roses had not played at Sandy Park since beating Canada 50-24 there in September 2023, according to England Rugby. Three Exeter Chiefs players — Moloney-MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson — were named in the squad for the game.

What makes this stand out is the company Canada now keep. No side had avoided defeat to England in almost four years. England opened this new WXV Global Series with home games against Australia, Canada and New Zealand in September.

For fans, this means a louder warning for what comes next. England keep their unbeaten tag. Canada proved the gap at the top is paper thin.