World Cup Win Will Change These Girls’ Lives
In a moment that will echo through the annals of women’s rugby, England’s Red Roses have finally lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy after 11 years of heartbreak. This World Cup win against Canada at a roaring Twickenham isn’t just another victory—it’s a transformative milestone that promises to reshape the lives of these incredible athletes and elevate the sport on a global stage.
For the first time since their 2014 triumph, England has conquered the World Cup, defeating Canada 33-13 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 82,000 passionate fans. This isn’t merely a sporting achievement; it’s a testament to resilience, investment, and the growing power of women’s rugby. The Red Roses silenced the ghosts of past finals, particularly the agonizing 2022 loss to New Zealand, where a last-gasp line-out mishap dashed their dreams. Now, with this World Cup win, they’ve turned the page from sorrow to celebration, inspiring a new generation and proving that perseverance pays off.
Maggie Alphonsi, a key player in England’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, captured the emotion perfectly in her BBC interview: I have tears in my eyes. I am so proud of this England team. What we did in 2014 was nothing. This is history. Her words underscore the magnitude of the moment, highlighting how this victory builds on past successes while setting a new benchmark.
The Heartbreak Before the World Cup Win
To fully appreciate this World Cup win, it’s essential to revisit the pain that preceded it. Three years ago, in 2022, England entered the final against New Zealand as overwhelming favorites, riding a 30-Test winning streak. Even after being reduced to 14 players early in the match, they led 26-19 at halftime and fought back to trail only 34-31 with minutes to spare. Victory seemed within reach during that final line-out—their signature weapon throughout the tournament—but a errant throw as the clock turned red sealed their fate. It was a gut-wrenching defeat that lingered like a shadow over the team.
Fast-forward to Saturday at Twickenham, and the narrative flipped. England shook off an early Canadian try from Asia Hogan-Rochester, which had the home crowd on edge. But the Red Roses responded with ferocity, powering through to secure their second-largest margin in a Women’s Rugby World Cup final. This World Cup win wasn’t handed to them; it was earned through grit, strategy, and the kind of team spirit that turns underdogs into legends.
Record-Breaking Crowds and Emotional Highs
The atmosphere at Twickenham was electric, amplifying the significance of this World Cup win. Back in 2014, England’s victory over Canada in Paris drew a modest 20,000 spectators at the Stade Jean-Bouin. Contrast that with Saturday’s spectacle: 82,000 fans, shattering the previous record of 42,723 set during England’s opener against the USA in Sunderland. This massive turnout reflects the surging popularity of women’s rugby, with supporters filling the stands hours before kickoff.
England’s star centre Emily Scarratt, reflecting on past experiences, couldn’t hide her awe. She recalled double-headers at Twickenham where the women’s team played after the men, only to face half-empty stands as fans trickled out. It’s unbelievable, she said. Today was the complete opposite. The 2014 World Cup-winning captain, Katy McLean (formerly Daly-McLean), added a personal touch: I had a tear at the anthems. There’s 80,000 people here and the game is delivering. Her teammate Kat Merchant went further, emphasizing the life-altering potential: This is going to change these girls’ lives.
Indeed, this World Cup win marks a pivotal shift for the players. In 2019, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) took a bold step by awarding full-time contracts to 28 players. Today, that number has grown to 32 centrally contracted athletes, supplemented by others paid through Premiership clubs. This professionalization has been crucial, allowing players to focus solely on their craft. In contrast, many of Canada’s players aren’t fully professional and relied on a pre-tournament crowdfunding campaign to compete. As Alphonsi noted, England have shown what you need to do if you want success. You need to invest in your women’s team.
This investment isn’t just financial—it’s cultural. The World Cup win has elevated standards across women’s rugby, drawing in sponsors, broadcasters, and fans who once overlooked the sport. For these girls, as Merchant affectionately called them, it means better facilities, higher salaries, and the recognition they deserve. Careers that once balanced rugby with day jobs could now become full-time passions, opening doors to endorsements, coaching roles, and leadership positions.
Ellie Kildunne: The Spark That Ignited the World Cup Win
No story of this World Cup win would be complete without Ellie Kildunne, the 2024 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. With the game hanging in the balance after Canada’s early lead, Kildunne ignited the comeback. Collecting the ball 30 meters out, she evaded the defensive line, sidestepped two tacklers, and dove over the try line at full speed—a try born from pure instinct and skill.
Kat Merchant, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, was speechless: It was something out of nothing. She just sliced through like she had an invisible cloak on. Oh my gosh, what a wonder try. Kildunne’s brilliance wasn’t a one-off; she had already dazzled in the semi-finals with two stunning individual tries against France. Fans have embraced her flair, with cowboy hats dotting the Twickenham crowd in homage to her signature lasso celebration.
New Zealand’s World Cup winner Ruby Tui summed it up for the BBC: The people ordered and Ellie Kildunne delivered. She was audacious with her try. Kildunne dusted. Players like her embody the future of the sport—athletic, charismatic, and unapologetically bold. This World Cup win provides the platform for more stars to shine, inspiring young girls worldwide to pick up a rugby ball.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Pitch
As the final whistle blew, Zoe Harrison’s conversions and the team’s dominant second half ensured a comfortable victory. But the true impact of this World Cup win ripples far beyond the scoreboard. It validates the RFU’s commitment to women’s rugby, proving that targeted investment yields world-class results. Alphonsi reiterated, This England side has fought so hard for this moment. This World Cup has been a major success—not just who won it but the standards that have been set for women’s rugby.
For the players, this victory is life-changing. It cements their status as national heroes, potentially leading to greater media exposure and financial security. For the sport, it signals a bright future: bigger crowds, more investment, and a push toward gender parity in rugby’s ecosystem. England’s Red Roses have not only ended 11 years of hurt but paved the way for countless others.
In conclusion, this World Cup win is more than a trophy—it’s a catalyst for change, empowering these women to lead fuller, more rewarding lives both on and off the field. As women’s rugby continues to soar, England’s triumph stands as a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
