France and England have named their 19-player squads for their women’s clash on Saturday 29th June where the two sides meet in Toulouse at 3.30pm local time.
The game, played as part of Rugby League’s 90th Anniversary in France will be played at Stade Ernest-Wallon followed by the men’s clash at 6.00pm.
France come into the game fresh from overturning Serbia 58-0 in last weekend’s Rugby League World Cup qualifier which sees them qualify for the 2026 event, marking their fourth appearance in the World Cup.
“With victory in Serbia we are qualified for the 2026 World Cup and I want to congratulate all the players and staff achieving this objective” said Romain Maillot.
“Now we have a match on another level with England and some small changes in the group to continue this good form.”
For England, Head Coach Stu Barrow could potentially hand debuts to Anna Davies, Georgie Hetherington, Katie Mottershead, Izzy Northrop, Isabel Rowe, Erin Stott and Bella Sykes whilst Vicky Whitfield and Caitlin Beevers will collect their 10th England cap if selected.
“We have selected 7 new players in our squad of 19, which shows the development of the women’s and girls game and provides exciting opportunities and challenges going forward” notes Barrow.
“It’s been a tough decision on who to include, but I’m really pleased we’ve been able to name some new faces this time round including the likes of Katie Mottershead, Izzy Northrop, Isabel Rowe, Bella Sykes and Erin Stott.
“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.”
France
Louane Baby, Leila Bessahli, Pauline Noe, Justine Roses, Cristina Song Puche (All Déesses Catalanes), Stecy Bessiere Lise Diraison, Perrine Monsarrat, Perle Ramazeilles, Manon Samarra, Noémie Samuel, Salomé Segala (A;; Racing Club Lescure Arthes 13), Chahrazad Himoudi, Haoua Kessely, (Toulouse Ovalie), Tallis Kureza (Rc Bègles 13), Ines Legout, Mahault Pommier, Amael Vilanove (A.S. Ayguevives 13), Elisa Akpa (Wests Tigers)
England
Caitlin Beevers, Keara Bennett, Amy Hardcastle, Shona Hoyle, Zoe Hornby, Izzy Northrop, Bella Sykes (all Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham, Zoe Harris, Katie Mottershead, Emily Rudge, Erin Stott, Paige Travis, Vicky Whitfield (all St Helens), Anna Davies, Isabel Rowe (both Wigan Warriors), Georgie Hetherington, Eboni Partington, Olivia Wood (all York Valkyrie).