Cokayne back as England face Canada threat in Toronto
Amy Cokayne returns at hooker as England prepare to face Canada in Toronto, with their 41-match unbeaten run at stake. The Rugby World Cup runners-up ended England’s near four-year winning streak with a 26-26 draw in Exeter last month, making the first of two matches in Canada a test of England’s progress.
Cokayne, who has 94 caps, has not played for England since May; Bryony Field moves to the bench after deputising. Hannah Botterman and Abi Burton are also selected, while Sadia Kabeya is among the replacements. More than 14,000 spectators are expected in Toronto, which would set a North American record for a standalone women’s rugby match; the teams meet again in Ottawa on 23 October.
- Cokayne returns as England’s unbeaten run faces a test in Toronto.
- Canada drew 26-26 with England in Exeter last month.
- Toronto’s crowd is expected to top 14,000, a North American record.
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England and Canada are two leading teams in women’s rugby union, a sport in which players carry, pass and kick an oval ball to score tries. England have been among the strongest sides in recent years, while Canada reached the final of the most recent Rugby World Cup.
The teams drew 26-26 in Exeter last month, ending England’s run of consecutive wins. Their two-match series in Canada gives both sides a chance to measure their form against a major rival, and the Toronto match is expected to draw a large crowd.