Canada inflict back-to-back losses on England

England suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time in a decade as Canada win 31-22 in Ottawa, including a hat-trick for captain Sophie de Goede. England suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in a decade as Canada won 31-22 in the WXV Series in Ottawa. The hosts ran in five tries to England's three, including a hat-trick for captain Sophie de Goede, as they backed up last weekend's 24-21 win in Toronto, which ended the Red Roses' 41-match unbeaten streak, with another statement victory. It completes a 2-0 series win for Canada after the two sides also shared a 26-26 draw in Exeter in September. After losing multiple matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2016, world champions England head into their meeting with the USA in New Jersey next Friday (21:15 GMT) hoping to avoid three consecutive losses for the first time since 2013.

England made a promising start, Maddie Feaunati crashing over from close range inside 10 minutes, but Canada led 12-7 at the break. Gabrielle Senft pounced on a bouncing ball and broke down the left wing with De Goede on her shoulder to score, only four minutes after Julia Omokhuale had brought the Maple Leafs level. Zoe Harrison kicked a penalty early in the second half before England turned to their driving