'We know we didn't play our best game'

Canada head coach Kévin Rouet and captain Alex Tessier refused to offer excuses after the side’s heartbreaking 13-33 defeat to England in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham.

Canada made a dream start, with wing Asia Hogan-Rochester crossing for the opening try in front of a record crowd of 82,500.

But England quickly struck back through the brilliance of Ellie Kildunne and went on to score four more tries. Hogan-Rochester added a secondhalf brace, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Red Roses from lifting the trophy.

“It’s a little bit frustrating for us because we know we didn’t play our best game,” Rouet admitted.

“However, I told the players at the end that I’m very proud of what they did and the sacrifices they made for three years.

“We were just missing 80 minutes of good rugby to be world champions. The message now is: be proud of what you did, but channel that anger again.”

Rouet stressed that England were deserved winners but reminded his squad not to lose sight of their progress.

“I try to be careful not to talk too much about this game because England were better and we weren’t at our best today.

“But I don’t want them to forget what we built together.”

While Canada left Twickenham empty-handed, their journey has captured hearts worldwide.

Unlike England, Canada are not fully professional, relying on grit, determination and even crowdfunding to reach this stage.

Backed by £1.4m in union funding and almost £540,000 from external supporters, the Canadians stunned defending champions New Zealand in the semifinal to reach only their second-ever World Cup Final after 2014.

Their success drew the attention of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the Final in London.

“I’m excited to come back to Canada, talk to people and see how we can help rugby grow,” said Rouet.

“We’ve had so many messages of support. It’s been incredible to see the excitement.”

Rouet also highlighted the financial challenges his players face. Some earn as little as £400 ($536) a month from the game.

“We need to keep growing the women’s game so players don’t have to choose between a life and rugby.”

Captain Tessier praised her squad’s resilience and impact on the sport back home.

“I think what we’ve accomplished at this World Cup is powerful, especially for rugby in Canada,” she said. “Despite our underperformance today, what we’ve done is huge.

“Every match we were dominant, true to ourselves, and able to play free. Today wasn’t a reflection of us. Winning the semifinal last weekend has inspired so many people.

“We’ve had countless messages from schools and young girls who’ve seen our games broadcast back home. That visibility goes a long way.”

Tessier debunked the idea that Canada’s financial situation was not to blame for the defeat.

“I don’t think we had the biggest budget compared to other nations, but that’s not what made the difference tonight,” she said.

“We managed to fund what we needed to be prepared.

“I think we could have won regardless of budget.”