A scorching try from centre Emily Scarratt helped England lift their first women's rugby World Cup title since 1994 in a 21-9 final victory over Canada in Paris this morning.
England, beaten in the last three finals, had drawn 13-13 with the Canadians in the group stage - a result that helped push out holders New Zealand - but were more clinical this time around.
England led 11-3 at the break through two Scarratt penalties and a try from full-back Danielle Waterman.
Magali Harvey kicked two more penalties to keep Canada, making their first appearance in a World Cup final, in contention, but Scarratt broke a tackle in front of the posts in the final minutes and cut behind Canada's defence to seal victory.
Earlier the New Zealand women's rugby team finished fifth after outclassing the United States 55-5 in the fifth place playoff in Paris.
Women's Rugby World Cup 5th-6th Place Play-Off, New Zealand's Honey Hireme breaks clear against USA. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Ferns, who failed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time, outscored the Americans nine tries to one.
The game will be the last for a host of the senior New Zealand players with veterans Amiria Rule, Casey Robertson and Claire Richardson all set to retire post tournament.
Number 8 Robertson says while it's nice to end on a winning note she's disappointed the Black Ferns couldn't add a fifth World Cup title to their coffers and she concedes there'll be a few bleary eyes when the team say their good-byes.
