'I don’t think I have heard a cheer as loud at Twickenham' – Ben Kay on England winning Women’s Rugby World Cup final
Published 28/09/2025 at 16:36 GMT+1
England World Cup winner Ben Kay hailed the atmosphere of the Women's Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham as the loudest cheer he has heard as England beat Canada 33-13 to put their previous demons to bed. Ellie Kildunne scored another wonderful solo try, before Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward and an Alex Matthews brace saw England pull away from their opponents in front of a record crowd.
'Something people will write books about' - England players react to World Cup win
Video credit: SNTV
World Cup winner Ben Kay hailed the Women’s Rugby World Cup final crowd as the loudest "cheer he has heard" at Twickenham.
John Mitchell’s side eased to a 33-13 win over Canada at HQ thanks to tries from Ellie Kildunne, Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward and a brace from Alex Matthews in front of a record women's rugby crowd of 81,885.
It saw the Red Roses, the No. 1 ranked side in the world, avenge their two defeats in consecutive World Cup finals at the hands of New Zealand.
Kay, who won the World Cup in 2003, was in attendance to soak up the atmosphere at Twickenham, and he was treated to a brilliant spectacle.
"It was an incredible day, very, very fortunate to be there," said Kay ahead of Northampton Saints' remarkable 33-33 draw with Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher PREM on TNT Sports.
"The second biggest crowd ever for a World Cup final and boy did they make some noise when Kildunne scored her miracle try. I don’t think I have heard a cheer as loud as that at Twickenham.
"Lovely to see probably about 70,000 of those people wearing white shirts; it was a special atmosphere."
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Canada had been the surprise package of the tournament, after crowdfunding their way to England and then putting in a sensational performance to beat New Zealand in the semi-finals and reach only their second World Cup final.
That final came 11 years ago in Paris when England lifted their last title with a 21-9 win at the Stade Jean-Bouin.
The 34-19 win over the Black Ferns at Ashton Gate last week showed Canada would be no pushovers at Twickenham and they immediately proved that to be the case when Asia Hogan-Rochester went over for an early score.
Thankfully, for the majority in attendance at Twickenham, Kildunne’s incredible try put that fear to rest, something Kay admitted he felt pre-match.
"Canada have been amazing this tournament," the former England second row added.
"Their performance in the semi-final actually made me a bit nervous for this game but those nerves were very much put to bed by a supreme Red Roses performance."
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‘Once in a lifetime’ - England celebrate Rugby World Cup triumph
Video credit: SNTV
Rugby fans who enjoyed the World Cup will be delighted to know just how many of the stars of the tournament will be in action in Premiership Women’s Rugby, which can be watched live on TNT Sports and streamed on dscovery+.
As well as all of England’s World Cup winners, including Kildunne at Harlequins and World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Meg Jones at Ealing Trailfinders, there are a plethora of foreign talents to look out for too.
In total, over 100 players at the World Cup will return to their PWR clubs, including 2025 Women’s Rugby Player of the Year Sophie de Goede of Saracens.
The first match of the season is less than a month away, with Harlequins hosting Loughborough Lightning on October 24, before the first live match on TNT Sports and discovery+ on October 26: a rematch of the final between champions Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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