England women squad named for historic clash live on BBC
Vicky Molyneux (11) of England celebrates her try
The England Women squad has been named for their historic clash with France this Saturday, which will be the first England women’s international to be broadcast on terrestrial TV.
The game in Perpignan will be shown live on BBC2 at midday on Saturday, ahead of the men’s international live on BBC1 at 2.30pm.
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Treble-winning St Helens provide ten of the 20 players including captain Emily Rudge, Woman of Steel Jodie Cunningham, and all-time England Women top try-scorer Amy Hardcastle.
There are four potential debutants – York duo Savannah Andrade and Olivia Wood, Castleford’s Emma Lumley and St Helens’ Rachael Woosey.
Andrade – who left Bradford for York earlier this year – is named in the squad for the first time following a try-laden season.
Woosey helped St Helens complete a historic treble in 2021, scoring a double in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final back in June.
Lumley was named in the squad to face Wales earlier in the season but is yet to make her international debut while Wood is also in contention.
A great opportunity for England women
Head Coach Craig Richards said: “I’m delighted we have been able to name a host of new names in our squad to take on France.
“All four of the potential debutants have impressed me with their attitude and performances in the Betfred Women’s Super League. It has really created a strong competition for places within the squad.
“I am hopeful we will see at least two make their international debuts next weekend in Perpignan.
“This is another huge step on the road to the Rugby League World Cup and another great opportunity for players to prove what they can do on the international stage.”
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St Helens duo Beth Stott and Paige Travis are also named alongside Castleford’s Hollie Dodd and Leeds’ Francesca
England women squad: Savannah Andrade (York City Knights), Caitlin Beevers (Leeds Rhinos), Leah Burke (St Helens), Chantelle Crowl (St Helens), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Hollie Dodd (Castleford Tigers), Grace Field (York City Knights), Francesca Goldthorp (Leeds Rhinos), Amy Hardcastle (St Helens), Shona Hoyle (Huddersfield Giants), Tara Jones (St Helens), Emma Lumley (Castleford Tigers), Victoria Molyneux (Wigan Warriors), Emily Rudge (St Helens), Tara-Jane Stanley (Castleford Tigers), Beth Stott (St Helens), Paige Travis (St Helens), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Olivia Wood (York City Knights), Rachael Woosey (St Helens)
