Saturday 27th September sees the final game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where at the end of 80 minutes, the world champions will be crowned. Canada face England at 4pm BST at a sold-out Twickenham Stadium and can be watched on BBC One.
The game sets up to be the best of the tournament, with the two highest ranked teams in women’s rugby and favourites come together for the first time since 2024.
England comes into this game following a dominant run so far, with their biggest win being 92-3 against Samoa in the group stage. England also hope to win their first world cup in 11 years, where they beat Canada in 2014, after 2 consecutive final losses. Canada however also comes into this final unbeaten in the tournament, with their run including a noticeable win over current holders New Zealand. Canada hope to win their first ever World Cup, despite not being fully professional.
Photo: Rugby World Cup website
What key players do you need to watch?
For England, the 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, has shone throughout the tournament, especially against France after bouncing back from a concussion injury in the quarter finals. Kildunne plays as a full-back for the Red Roses and made her mark in the semi final with two amazing tries against France.
Canada will also have their hands full with Abby Dow who holds the record of 47 tries in 52 test games as of July 2025, with that number rising to 58 tries in 58 appearances during the World Cup. Known for her pace and agility, Dow has been named in the World Rugby annual best XV every year since 2021, making her impossible to defend against.
For Canada, rugby rarity Sophie de Goede is the second highest scorer in the World Cup so far with 58 points as a lock forward. De Goede has scored 20 conversions throughout the tournament, one penalty and three tries. The second row is also the leading the tournament in carries, offloads, and line-out takes.
Full-back Julia Schell will also be crucial for Canada’s bid for the World Champions title, with her scoring six tries in one half against Fiji in the group stage of the tournament. Her pace and ability to strike from full-back mean England will need to be wary as she can exploit any loose cover, especially in wide channels or when stretched.
How do Canada and England’s style of play compare?
Apparent in their semi final against New Zealand, Canada are masters at quick play with the team consistently achieving quick ruck ball (when the ball is recycled within 2 seconds). This technique allows them to transition rapidly from defence to attack, creating many opportunities to shift the ball and score tries. England will need to organise their defence quickly to be able to cope with Canada’s fast play if they hope not to concede any tries.
England on the other hand, have a smart kicking game, with the Red Rises not just kicking for territory but to force turnovers, disrupt possession and win back the ball. England have one of the highest success rates in regaining kicks in the whole tournament and Canada will have to be wary of the way England use their kicking game.
Although not a skilful advantage for England, Canada will be coming up against a stadium that is packed almost full of all England fans with the tournament and final being played in England. This gives England the upper hand in terms of familiarity with conditions as well as home crowd motivation. Having said this, playing a World Cup final on home soil adds an immense amount of pressure which could prove to be too much for England and fall in Canada’s favour.
Which favourite will come out on top and take the title of World Champions? You can watch the game on BBC One at 4pm on Saturday 27th August.