Red Roses announce Two-Test series against Canada ahead of WXV

England Rugby has announced the Red Roses will host Canada Women in a two-Test series this September ahead of competing in WXV 1 in New Zealand the following month.

The series opener will be played at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Saturday, 23rd September, before the second match, which will take place on Saturday, 30 September at a venue and time to be confirmed, concludes the series.

The two-Test series will be the first time the two sides have faced off since the Red Roses won a brilliant Rugby World Cup 2021 semi-final over Canada 26-19 at Eden Park, when England made history by winning a record 30 consecutive Tests.

The matches will also be the Red Roses’ first since their successful Grand Slam Six Nations campaign in April.

England forwards coach, Louis Deacon said: “We are delighted to be facing one of the world’s best teams on home turf. Canada is a powerful team and present a fantastic challenge as we look to build on the success of our TikTok Six Nations campaign and continue improving as a squad.

“The two-Test series is the perfect preparation as we build up to the inaugural WXV tournament in New Zealand.”

Charlie Hayter, RFU head of women’s performance rugby, said: “Exeter has been a fantastic host venue for the Red Roses on a number of occasions and we are excited to be heading back to Sandy Park. The club and its supporters are passionate fans of the women’s game and embraced the team each time we play there.”