Four years and a World Cup crown later, England's unbeaten streak is over, and Canada are the team proving the Red Roses can be reached.
Forty-one matches. Four years. One Rugby World Cup title. England's women built a run that made them look untouchable, and now it has come to an end. The big question in the women's game is how Canada got close enough to make it happen.
The Red Roses set the standard for the sport over this stretch, combining a powerful forward pack, ruthless finishing and squad depth that few rivals could match. Streaks like that create an aura, and for opponents the hardest part is often believing a win is possible. Canada have clearly shown they do.
Canada's progress points to a wider shift in women's rugby. Gaps between the top nations are narrowing as programmes invest more in professional environments, high-quality competition and consistent preparation. The teams chasing England are no longer just hoping to keep the score respectable. They are building sides designed to challenge the world champions.
For England, the end of the run is a reminder that dominance is never permanent, and the pressure to evolve never goes away. For everyone else in the women's game, including emerging nations looking for a model of how to climb the ranks, Canada's rise is a statement that the top of the sport is open to a serious challenge.
