IRB MEDIA RELEASE
	England Win Women's Rugby World Cup 2014

England are Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 champions.

The 2010 runners-up beat Canada 21-9 in front of a packed house in Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on Sunday evening.

The Canadians, who shocked hosts France in the semis, competed for long periods in the match but Gary Street's charges kept their composure to win by a 12 point margin.

Earlier in the day France beat Ireland in a tense playoff to finish third in the competition.

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There was some consolation for Canada however, as winger Magali Harvey was crowned IRB Women's Player of the Year.

Speaking after her team’s victory, England captain Katy McLean said: "This group of girls and this group of staff deserve everything that we have got because we have worked so hard for this."

"So many great legends that have gone before us haven’t won (a World Cup) in an England shirt and that was them, and for all of the England Rugby family."

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“What an amazing way to finish an amazing Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset at the final whistle.

“The TV and media coverage, the atmosphere at the matches and the way that this tournament has captured the public's imagination has been remarkable.”

“I send my congratulations to England who played so well, but also to Canada who won so many fans here during this World Cup.”

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