Experienced Rugby League Coach Unveils Exciting England Women’s Squad for Toulouse Showdown
In a highly anticipated move, England Women’s Head Coach Stuart Barrow has announced a 19-player squad set to embark on an international double-header against France next Saturday, June 29th. The match, kicking off at 3:30 pm local time in Toulouse, will mark the first game of the international showcase, followed by the England Men’s clash against France at 6 pm.
Notably, the squad features the inclusion of several rising stars, including 20-year-old Katie Mottershead, who is poised to make her international debut after an impressive start to the season with St Helens. Joining Mottershead are six of her St Helens teammates, including the returning Zoe Harris, who makes a comeback to the senior squad for the first time since the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
Leeds Rhinos’ Izzy Northrop has also earned a well-deserved call-up, having firmly established herself as one of Lois Forsell’s key players since joining the Yorkshire club in 2023. The 24-year-old gained international representation at the end of 2022 when she earned a call-up to the England Students Women’s squad and will now link up with six of her Leeds Rhinos teammates in France.
The Betfred Women’s Super League (BWSL) champions York Valkyrie are also well represented, with three of their star players – Georgie Hetherington, Eboni Partington, and Olivia Wood – included in the squad. Wigan Warriors’ Anna Davies, who has been in scintillating form this season with 14 tries in the opening rounds of the BWSL, has also been selected alongside her Warriors teammate Isabel Rowe.
“It’s been a tough decision on who to include for next Saturday’s international, but I’m really pleased we’ve been able to name some new faces this time round. The trip will be a brilliant experience for them, and I’m confident that with the help of our more senior internationals, they will be able to showcase the talent I know they all possess when we get on the pitch in Toulouse.” – England Women Head Coach Stuart Barrow
With France women’s team recently securing their qualification for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup by defeating Serbia 58-0 in Belgrade, the upcoming clash in Toulouse promises to be a thrilling encounter for rugby league enthusiasts. Fans will be able to catch the action live on SuperLeague+, Rugby League’s global, direct-to-consumer streaming service.
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