England's 39-win run ended by Canada in Exeter draw

England's record run of 39 consecutive Test victories is over. Canada held the world champions to a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter. The game was part of the WXV Global Series 2026, BBC.

A draw is not a defeat. England are now unbeaten in 40 internationals, Tests being the sport's name for full internationals. But the winning sequence stops here, BBC.

Canada earned it. They had lost all 13 of their previous meetings with England on English soil. Last September, England beat them 33-13 to win the World Cup final.

The winning run had lasted almost four years. It began after England lost the 2022 World Cup final, under former head coach Simon Middleton. It then powered on under his successor.

John Mitchell took charge midway through the 2023 WXV1 campaign. He had won every game until this draw. Along the way, England beat Scotland in last September's World Cup quarter-final for a 31st straight win. That passed their own record for consecutive wins in men's or women's international rugby union, set in 2022.

Mitchell was calm afterwards. He said the result will inspire "greater things to come" from his players. He added: "We're in a Test series. It's 1-1. That's it."

For fans, this means a familiar rivalry with fresh edge. England remain world champions and still unbeaten. Canada, beaten finalists last autumn, have shown they can live with them in England. The next meeting just got louder.