Greece and Ireland have named their women squads for Saturday’s European 2026 World Cup qualifier, at the Gkorytsa Stadium in the Aspropygos district of Athens (kick off 3pm local time)
The nations finished second in their respective groups during the initial qualifying rounds and are battling to represent Europe in the inaugural World Series in 2025, which will determine the final spot in the main tournament to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea the following year.
Greece have home advantage given their superior world ranking position and will potentially hand debuts to three players; Anais Dragoumis, Efstathia Skouroliakou and Triantafyllia Vasilogianni. Greece women’s head coach, Jim Minadakis, said: I'm looking forward to such a crucial match with so much at stake on home soil.
“We are expecting a big crowd to help our girls deliver the goods even though we are underdogs. Preparation was tough during the summer season and we believe we are ready for the most important match of our lives.”
Ireland have two potential debutants in London Bronco Polly Roberts and Jade Walker. “Preparations have been very positive,” noted Ireland women’s head coach Matt Kennerson. “After a big summer of domestic rugby, the girls seem refreshed and eager to put the green jersey back on. I truly believe this will be the strongest team we’ve put out so far.
“We are in the midst of chasing our dream and it’s still very much alive in our minds, we’re confident we can get the job done. I have a fantastic team of coaches and managers supporting me and the players and it’s clearly having an impact.”
Tara Jones will referee the fixture who was unveiled this week as one of the Rugby Football League’s new fulltime match officials and the first woman to take up the role. She played her final game for St Helens in last weekend’s Women’s Super League Grand Final. The match will be her first senior international fixture in the middle having earned 13 caps for England over the past decade.
GREECE SQUAD
Maria-Eleni Gkrilemi, Maria-Anna Lamprou, Georgia Kalomenopoulou, Sofia-Margarita Kitsaneli, Asimina Mastoraki, Myrsini Pappa, Efstathia Skoroliakou, Sotiria Skouroliakou, Cleopatra Velmachou, (Aris Eagles), Sofia Anagnostopoulou, Eleftheria Angeli, Chrysi Lymperidi, Magdilini Stavrianou (Athens City Raiders), Isaia Maragkou, Dimitra Papoutsi (Attica Rhinos), Ourania Koutsikou (Cardiff Demons), Anais Dragoumis, Amalia Kozari, Triantafyllia Vasilogianni (unattached).
IRELAND SQUAD
Alex McGuinness (C), Alice Fitzgerald , Anna Potterton , Caoimhe Molloy , Cliodhna O'Sullivan , Clodagh Dunne , Grace Tutty , Lisa Callan , Martha Dwyer , Orlaith McAuliffe , Tricia Doyle (Dublin City Exiles), Holly O'Dwyer, Stacy Hanley (Galway Tribeswomen ), Mairead Quinn , Storm Cobain ( Leigh Leopards), Iona McCusker , Polly Roberts (London Broncos), Jade Walker (Wests Warriors), Bettie Lamber (York Valkyrie).