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England players celebrate after winning the Women's Rugby World Cup at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. Photo: AFP

England end 16 years of heartbreak with World Cup victory

England ended a run of three straight final defeats with a 21-9 victory over Canada to be crowned women’s World Cup champions.

England ended a run of three straight final defeats with a 21-9 victory over Canada to be crowned women’s World Cup champions.

The Red Roses, also champions in 1994, were beaten by New Zealand in the finals of the last three tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010). The Black Ferns missed out on this year’s showdown after a shock defeat by Ireland in the pool stages.

So many great legends that have gone before us haven’t won in an England shirt and that was for all them that were here today and for all of the England rugby family
Emily Scarratt

With abbreviated rugby sevens to make its Olympic debut for men and women at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 15-a-side final was perfect publicity for the sport’s world governing body, the International Rugby Board (IRB).

In front of a near-capacity 20,000 crowd at Stade Jean Bouin, home to Top 14 club Stade Francais in western Paris, the two sides produced a game that, while perhaps not at its flowing best, featured no little skill, unabashed hard-nosed aggression and tactical nous.

England, however, will be left pondering how they didn’t put the game out of Canada’s grasp after building up an 11-0 lead and dominating possession and territory in the first half.

England's Emily Scarratt sees the tryline and World Cup glory, sealing the 21-9 victory over Canada in the final at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. Photo: AP

The Canadians, appearing in the final for the first time, proved to be doughty opponents whose confidence grew as their pack pressed for set-piece dominance.

But out of nothing, outstanding centre Emily Scarratt jinked her way out of a couple of weak tackles and skipped away for a try she converted to put England out of danger with seven minutes of the game remaining.

“All credit to Canada, they were fantastic today, but this group of girls and this group of staff deserve everything that we have got because we have worked so hard for this.

“So many great legends that have gone before us haven’t won in an England shirt and that was for all them that were here today and for all of the England rugby family.

“It’s absolutely amazing that we did it.”

Canada captain Kelly Russell added: “It was a big, physical game from both sides.

“It’s been a great ride. The fans have been phenomenal. You can just tell women’s rugby is huge here.”

In an entertaining match for third place, France outgunned Ireland to run out worthy 25-18 winners.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: England crowned world champions
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