In a nail-biting climax that will haunt Welsh rugby fans, the national women's team saw their 2025 World Cup dreams extinguished by a formidable Canadian side in Dubai. The final score of 26-22 tells a story of a fierce, back-and-forth battle that ultimately ended in heartbreak for Wales.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions from the first whistle. Wales stormed out of the gates, demonstrating incredible grit and skill to build a promising 12-0 lead early on. The momentum, however, proved fleeting. Canada's powerful pack and clinical attack slowly chipped away at the Welsh defence, methodically turning the tide before halftime.
A Second Half of Agonising Near-Misses
Refusing to surrender, Wales mounted a breathtaking comeback in the second half. The team showed immense character, fighting their way back to within a single score of the Canadians, setting up a grandstand finish. The final minutes were a tense affair, with Welsh players throwing everything they had at the Canadian line in a desperate search for the winning try.
Despite their valiant effort and dominating possession in the dying moments, the crucial breakthrough remained elusive. The final whistle confirmed Canada's victory and their place in the World Cup, leaving the Welsh players devastated on the pitch.
Coach Cunningham's Pride and Pain
Head Coach Ioan Cunningham was left to reflect on what might have been. While visibly gutted by the result, he expressed immense pride in his team's performance and fighting spirit against one of the world's top-ranked sides. "The effort was outstanding," he stated, acknowledging the fine margins that decide games at the highest level.
This result marks a significant setback for Welsh women's rugby. The missed opportunity to qualify for the sport's premier tournament is a blow to the programme's development and momentum. The focus for Cunningham and his squad will now inevitably turn to a long and arduous rebuilding process, with the next World Cup cycle firmly in mind.
