England 48-15 Australia: Red Roses win WXV Global Series opener
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- England defeated Australia 48-15 in the opening game of the WXV Global Series at CorpAcq Stadium, overcoming a halftime deficit to extend their winning streak to 39 matches.
- Australia led 10-5 at halftime, with a penalty and a try, but England scored seven tries in the second half, including five within a dominant 20-minute spell.
- The WXV Global Series, running from 2026 to 2028, replaces the previous WXV competition and features the top 12 women's rugby teams globally to increase competitive matches ahead of the 2029 World Cup.
- England will next face Canada at Exeter’s Sandy Park, marking their first meeting since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, followed by a home match against New Zealand on 26 September.
- This match was the first to use the new smaller size 4.5 women's rugby ball, a change that has been controversial among players, including England fly-half Zoe Harrison.
