England’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final are grounded in focusing on what lies ahead, rather than dwelling on the heartbreak of 2022. The Red Roses will face Canada in the final at a sold-out Twickenham this Saturday, and the team is eager to rewrite history following their 34-31 defeat to New Zealand three years ago.
For hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, the loss in the 2022 final was a learning experience that has made the squad stronger. “You can reflect and learn from it but it’s made us ready for now,” said the Bristol Bears star, who came off the bench during the loss in Eden Park. Atkin-Davies emphasized that the current squad is a “very different” team, ready to seize the moment and focused on delivering their best performance in front of home fans.
Back-row player Sadia Kabeya, who joined the Red Roses squad in 2021 and saw limited action in the 2022 World Cup, described this final as a “completely new page.” Kabeya noted how her experience has changed since then, having become more integrated into the team and understanding the importance of this moment. For her, the defeat in 2022 didn’t feel as monumental due to her relatively new role in the squad, but now, with a deeper connection to the team, the upcoming match carries a far greater significance.
This year’s final will be a special occasion, not only because it is a World Cup decider but because it is set to break the attendance record for a women’s rugby union match. With the match set to be played at Twickenham, the biggest stadium in English rugby, the Red Roses will be looking to use the overwhelming support from home fans to their advantage. England’s defence coach, Sarah Hunter, who captained the team in 2022, acknowledged the impact of a passionate crowd. “It’s about leaning into it,” she said, highlighting how the energy from the stands can galvanize the players, especially in such a high-stakes game.
Hunter also reflected on how this World Cup cycle has been distinct from previous ones, with new coaches, staff, and players evolving the team’s identity. Each cycle brings its own dynamic, and while the squad has learned from past experiences, they are fully immersed in the present, ready to create their own legacy on home soil.
As England prepares for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, their focus is firmly on the future and making history at Twickenham.
