Fans flock to south London for England Women’s Rugby World Cup victory celebrations

England crushed Canada 33-13 in a dominant display, watched by a record 81,885 people who filled a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

England celebrated their triumph with fans at a Champions Party at London’s Battersea Power Station.

The England players, led by captain Zoe Aldcroft, walked out onto the balcony with their medals around their necks.

Read more: England win Women's Rugby World Cup in front of record home crowd with dominant win over Canada

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Aldcroft told the crowd: "It's unbelievable [to lift the trophy]. We've been on a journey for three years, we've dug deep, had some fun along the way, but I'm super proud of all the girls.

"The big thing is our culture. We're so bonded as a team, we enjoy each other's company off the pitch, and we enjoyed this whole time together - it connected us on the pitch as well.

"We want to thank you. From the start of the tournament in Sunderland to Twickenham, it's been amazing."

The Prince and Princess of Wales led congratulations for the team in a message on their official Kensington Palace X account, which read: “Congratulations to @RedRosesRugby, the new Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions! Well done to Canada – you had an outstanding tournament. Both teams should be so proud!”

The Red Roses scored five tries to help clinch the title.

Ellie Kildunne scored a wonder try with a thrilling solo score in the ninth minute, but it was the magnificent Red Roses pack that made victory possible.

Four of England’s five tries were supplied by the forwards, including two for number eight Alex Matthews, and there was the familiar sight of their scrum and maul grinding the opposition into submission.

England boss John Mitchell also celebrated being named coach of the year.

Abbie Ward, who grabbed the first try of the second half, said: “This is a new chapter for women’s rugby. It wasn’t about righting wrongs, it was about showing what this team could do. It didn’t matter what had happened in the past this team was special.”

England and Lions captain Maro Itoje sent “huge congratulations” to the Red Roses, adding “we are incredibly proud” in an online message.

England’s Lionesses who beat Spain on penalties in July to win back-to-back Uefa Women’s Euros titles, also congratulated them with an online message saying: “Champions of the world and a true inspiration!

“You’re all incredible, @RedRosesRugby!”

Lioness skipper Leah Williamson described it as “unbelievable, so happy for everyone” beneath a photograph of the jubilant championship-winning squad in her Instagram stories, while England football captain Harry Kane hailed it as an “incredible achievement”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also sent his congratulations, saying: “You have shown the very best of England and inspired a generation.”

He exchanged rugby jerseys on Friday as excitement for the showdown grew, with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney when they met for bilateral talks at the Global Progress Action summit.

Mr Carney posted an message of support for the defeated Canadian squad saying: “On behalf of a proud nation, massive congratulations to Team Canada for an incredible run in the Rugby World Cup.”

Oscar winner Russell Crowe posted online: “Got to hand it to England Women’s Rugby team.

“Solid, dominant and as it turns out, unbeatable on the day. Big game players every one of them.

“Bad luck Canada. You can hold your heads high. Remarkable run.”

The Red Roses were ranked number one in the world having won 32 games on the trot.

Canada had impressed during the tournament.

The Maple Leafs are semi-professional and had to crowdfund nearly a third of the budget for their World Cup campaign.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney spoke of his pride at the “historic win”, saying that doing it at “the home of England Rugby, makes this victory even more rewarding”.

He added: “Our congratulations go to the entire playing squad and management team on this monumental achievement.

“We can’t thank fans, across the country, enough for their support of the Red Roses during the tournament – it’s been phenomenal.”

Culture Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy said the team had triumphed through “incredible talent, relentless determination and inspirational teamwork to become an unstoppable force”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it an “incredible performance”, and “a proud moment for English rugby and for our country”.