England's Red Roses returned to winning ways with a 55-12 victory over the United States in New Jersey, in their final match of the WXV Global Series. Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald scored four tries as England exploited space out wide, after two losses to Canada over the previous fortnight had left questions about their position at the top of the women's game.

A fast start out wide

England started steadily, with Moloney-MacDonald crossing twice in the first twelve minutes, her second coming via a looping mis-pass from fly-half Holly Aitchison. England led 17-7 at one stage, but the sixth-ranked United States, who had been beaten 69-7 in the opening match of England's march to the Rugby World Cup last year, stuck in the contest far longer than they did that day in Sunderland.

USA fight, then England pull away

The United States stayed in the fight deep into the second half, with one thunderous hit from Alev Kelter, hoisting and dumping England captain Meg Jones, rallying her team. England's tries came from Moloney-MacDonald (4), Jones, Venner, Field, Feaunati and Kabeya, with Sing kicking two conversions and Harrison three, while the United States scored through Rogers and Zackary, with Vogel converting. The United States claimed a second try with the final play of the match as Kate Zackary dived over around the fringes.

What comes next

The win gives head coach John Mitchell plenty to ponder before the start of England's Women's Six Nations title defence in April, despite the comfortable scoreline. A final WXV win, built on width and finishing, is a positive way to end the series, but the two defeats to Canada mean the Red Roses will not be able to claim the series as an unqualified success.

Sources: Oye Times, 2 November 2026.