England Women Head Coach Craig Richards has named a 20-strong squad for the upcoming trip to Perpignan to face France on Saturday 23 October, live on BBC Two. 

There are four potential debutants with York duo Savannah Andrade and Olivia Wood, Castleford’s Emma Lumley and St Helens’ Rachael Woosey all named in the 20-Woman squad.

Andrade – who left Bradford for York at the start of the season – is named in the England squad for the first time following a try-laden season with the Knights while Woosey has helped St Helens complete a historic Women’s Rugby League 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.

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 and 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."

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. 

St Helens duo Beth Stott and Paige Travis are also named alongside Castleford’s Hollie Dodd and Leeds’ Francesca Goldthorp after all making their international debuts in the 60-0 victory over Wales back in the National Lottery Mid-Season International.

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)