England ended their run of three successive final defeats as they finally landed the Women's Rugby World Cup with a hard-fought 21-9 win over Canada in Paris.
England led by five points inside the final 10 minutes but Emily Scarratt barged though and raced into the corner to make sure of victory. She scored another 11 points with the boot while Danielle Waterman rounded off a first-half team try.
England's only previous success in the Women's Rugby World Cup came back in 1994. In the 20 years since, they have lost the 2002, 2006 and 2010 finals to New Zealand, but their experience and quality finally told against a Canadian side contesting their first, The BBC reported.
England women's rugby team captain Katy McLean said that they have worked so hard for this, and there are so many great legends that have gone before them that haven't won in an England shirt, and the victory is for all of them.
McLean said that it started years ago with the people that have brought them there, their family and friends. She added that they have had to work in the final, as Canada were fantastic and it's amazing to think that England did it.
The victory may well mark the end of the international career of England stalwart Maggie Alphonsi who was one of four players in the starting line-up who played in the last two final defeats.
Earlier in the day Ireland, whose sensational win over New Zealand in the group stages helped to end the Black Ferns' title defence, lost 25-18 to hosts France in the third-place play-off. Wales lost 30-3 in their play-off against Australia, leaving them eighth overall, the report added.