England's remarkable 39-game winning streak finally came to an end as the women's rugby world champions were held to a dramatic 26-26 draw by Canada in Exeter on Saturday.
The Red Roses were unable to shake off Canada, the team they beat in last year's World Cup final at Twickenham, with the two sides scoring four tries apiece in front of a vocal crowd of over 14 000 at Sandy Park.
The draw meant Canada were the first team to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand defeated them in the 2022 World Cup final.
"Canada were good and we were also good," England coach John Mitchell told the BBC. "At times it was a real arm wrestle...
What an incredible game of rugby 🌹#ENGvCAN | #WXV pic.twitter.com/B8xw5s68bG
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) September 19, 2026
"We are really in a test series, which is great for us. Canada need to be congratulated on their performance."
Canada led after five minutes through Lizzie Gibson, although England quickly responded with a well-worked Claudia Moloney-MacDonald try.
DaLeaka Menin's converted score put Canada 12-5 in front in the 14th minute, but England veteran Hannah Botterman forced her way over soon afterwards as the hosts levelled again.
Moloney-MacDonald's second try of the half gave England the lead for the first time in the match but Canada hit back through Menin's second just before the break.
Bryony Field scored from a rolling maul in the 53rd minute and Zoe Harrison extended the hosts' advantage to seven points with the conversion.
But just four minutes later scrum-half Olivia Apps finished off a fine Canada attack and Sophie de Goede made it 26-26 with the extras.
England pressed hard for a winning score in a frantic final 10 minutes, and were held up over the line as a defiant Canada clung on for a draw.
The teams will resume their rivalry with two tests in Canada in October.
England next face New Zealand at Twickenham on September 26.