Two tries from Maggie Alphonsi along with scores from Sarah Hunter, Alice Richardson, Claire Allan and Katherine Merchant sealed an emphatic win, in which hooker Amy Garnett made history becoming the first English woman to win 100 caps.

Full-back Emily Scarratt exchanged an early penalty with Andrea Burk in a cagey opening before skipper Katy McLean put flanker Alphonsi clean through for the opening try.

They quickly added to that tally when McLean again played the role of provider for Merchant to go over.

Scarrat converted both tries although Canada hit back just before halftime through Jen Kish to give the Red Roses a 17-11 halftime lead.

England’s superior fitness told in the second half with Richardson, Hunter and Allan going over in quick succession which established a 34-14 advantage.

Although Mandy Marchak bagged a consolation try for Canada, an Alphonsi try at the death gave England the final word and a fourth successive Nations Cup Crown.

Head Coach Gary Streetsaid: “This tournament victory sums up exactly why we come to play in tournaments like the Nations Cup.

“The standard and intensity of the rugby this year has meant we have had to perform to world class level and that is vital as we build towards our autumn international programme.

“The win against Canada showed why it is vital to work on core elements of rugby skills because although Canada was very athletic and powerful, our ability to produce skills under pressure and play winning rugby was paramount.

“I am delighted that we have won the Nations Cup and so are all the players and staff. This is a great start to what is going to be a challenging but very exciting new season.”