On September 27, 2025, England’s Red Roses secured a landmark victory against Canada’s national team in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final held at Twickenham, London. The match drew a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 spectators, according to World Rugby, making it one of the most significant moments in women’s rugby history.
Among those celebrating the Red Roses’ triumph was Princess Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has long been a supporter of sports and physical activity. She marked the occasion with a post on the official social media account she shares with Prince William, highlighting England’s performance and congratulating both teams for their efforts in what was widely recognized as an inspiring final.
The Final Showdown: England vs. Canada
The highly anticipated match pitted the world’s number one ranked team, England, against second-ranked Canada. England entered the final determined to end an 11-year wait for a World Cup title, having previously lost finals in 2017 and 2022.
From the start, the Red Roses demonstrated their dominance. Tries from Alex Matthews, Ellie Kildunne, Amy Cokayne, and Abbie Ward powered England to a commanding lead. Matthews, in particular, stood out by scoring twice, earning widespread praise for her resilience and athleticism.
Canada, meanwhile, delivered a valiant performance. Despite being underdogs and facing financial challenges — the team reportedly raised close to $1 million in crowdfunding to support their tournament journey (as covered by The Guardian) — they reached only their second Rugby World Cup final in history. Their determination and physicality earned them admiration from fans worldwide, even as England ultimately secured a 33–13 win.
The result gave England their third Rugby World Cup title, further cementing their reputation as the leading force in women’s rugby.
Princess Catherine’s Support for Women’s Rugby
As Patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) since 2022, Princess Catherine has actively promoted rugby in the UK. Her involvement has included visiting grassroots clubs, encouraging children and young people to participate in the sport, and supporting England’s men’s and women’s teams during international tournaments.
In keeping with her advocacy, she joined in congratulating the Red Roses after their World Cup victory. Through the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official X (formerly Twitter) account, she and Prince William praised the team for their “inspiring performance” and recognized the significance of the event for the future of women’s rugby.
A photo she shared in support of the Red Roses, where she donned a playful red cowboy-style hat gifted by players earlier in the tournament, quickly gained attention online. The accessory — embellished with a tiara — symbolized both team spirit and Catherine’s approachable style, drawing lighthearted praise from fans on social media.
This was not the first time the Princess of Wales embraced rugby culture with humor. In September 2025, during the World Cup’s group stages in Brighton, she was seen with players who presented her with the hat, which she wore while speaking with the squad. The moment highlighted her genuine connection with the athletes and underscored her ongoing efforts to raise the profile of women’s sport.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Global Impact
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham marked a milestone not only for England but for women’s sports globally. According to World Rugby, the attendance figure of over 81,000 set a new record for a women’s rugby match and one of the largest crowds ever recorded for a women’s sporting event in the UK.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans from around the world filling the stadium to witness a new chapter in rugby history. The final was broadcast internationally, reaching millions of viewers and reinforcing the growing popularity of women’s rugby.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the victory as “inspiring a generation,” while London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who attended alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, praised the final as “a proud moment for women’s rugby and for sport as a whole.”
Canada’s Inspirational Journey
Although Canada fell short in the final, their journey to Twickenham was remarkable. Ranked second in the world, the team overcame significant financial and logistical hurdles to compete at the highest level. Their determination won admiration across the rugby community.
Canada’s ability to reach the final for only the second time in its history demonstrated the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s rugby worldwide. Despite the loss, Canadian players left the field with their heads held high, celebrated for their grit and resilience.
Why Princess Catherine’s Role Matters
The Princess of Wales has long been associated with promoting health, wellness, and youth development. Her work aligns with The Royal Foundation’s initiatives, which emphasize the importance of physical activity for mental and physical health.
By championing rugby — a sport historically dominated by men — Catherine helps to normalize women’s participation at the highest levels. Her presence at matches and her engagement with players inspire young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue sports with confidence.
Conclusion
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of women’s rugby. England’s Red Roses delivered a commanding performance to defeat Canada and claim their third world title, ending more than a decade-long wait for glory.
Amid the celebrations, Princess Catherine, Princess of Wales, once again demonstrated her commitment to supporting women’s sport. Her lighthearted fashion moment with the Red Roses, coupled with her official tribute alongside Prince William, highlighted the role of the Royal Family in celebrating national achievements and inspiring future generations.
With record-breaking attendance, unprecedented global viewership, and growing investment, women’s rugby is entering a new era — one in which athletes like England’s Red Roses and Canada’s Maple Leafs will continue to push boundaries. And with high-profile supporters like Princess Catherine, the sport’s visibility and influence are set to grow even further.