England Women Celebrate Rugby World Cup Glory After Impressive Win

England’s women’s rugby team secured a decisive victory in the Rugby World Cup, defeating Canada 33-13 on March 23, 2024. This triumph not only crowned them champions but also extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 33 matches. Coach John Mitchell, who was honored as World Rugby’s women’s coach of the year, expressed confidence in his team’s potential for continued dominance in the sport.

Mitchell attributed the team’s success to substantial investment in women’s rugby in England, which has led to the development of a highly competitive squad. “If you look at the 32 players that have accomplished greatness, and have been phenomenal for a large part of the past three years, that’s come because of the depth we have created,” he stated.

In contrast, many global rivals are still adapting to professional structures, with some, like their final opponents Canada, relying on public fundraising to support their programs. As the sport evolves, Mitchell acknowledged that other nations are beginning to catch up. “We can dominate the world for a long time, but the world’s going to get better because people are starting to recognise how to resource their programs,” he noted.

Historic Achievements and Unmatched Support

The Red Roses’ victory is part of a broader trend of success for women’s sports in England. Earlier this year, the English women’s football team triumphed at the European Championship, defeating world champions Spain on penalties. Meg Jones, a centre and nominee for world player of the year, highlighted the progress of women’s sport in the country. “You only have to look at the Six Nations and how we’ve grown. I think it’s amazing how far we’ve come. Women’s sport is on a high,” she commented.

Celebrations erupted on the pitch as England’s players donned their winners’ medals in front of a record crowd for a women’s game. The atmosphere was a blend of joy and relief, particularly as this victory came after a series of near misses, including six final losses. Tryscorer Ellie Kildunne, who is in contention for the 2024 World Player of the Year, encouraged fans to “keep the cowboy hats coming,” referring to the red hats that have become synonymous with the team’s supporters.

Captain Zoe Aldcroft reflected on the team’s achievement when asked if they were the greatest women’s rugby team of all time. After a moment’s hesitation, she remarked, “It definitely kind of feels like that.” This sentiment captures the spirit of a team that has not only reached the pinnacle of their sport but has also inspired a new generation of players.

As England celebrates this significant milestone, the team’s focus will now shift to maintaining their position at the top of women’s rugby. With a strong foundation and growing support, the future looks bright for England’s women in the sport.