England Rugby League

England women ready for French test

Friday 25th June 10

England Women will look to build on last year’s successful trip across the Channel when they host France at Lilleshall National Sports Centre on Saturday July 10.

The cream of English talent will be looking for a repeat of the 2-0 series win in October when they beat the French 22-8 in Toulouse and  36-0 victory in Blagnac. 

The game will act as important preparation for England prior to their trip Down Under in the autumn where they will face an Auckland Select provincial side before playing two Test matches against the current World Cup champions, New Zealand in Auckland.

England Women’s Head Coach Brenda Dobek said: “The game against France gives the players the opportunity to put themselves into the reckoning for the tour of New Zealand later this year.

“There are a number of new faces in the squad and returning players, so the balance is really encouraging looking ahead to a big year of international Rugby League.

“We will be looking to build on the two-match series win over France last year and I have every confidence that we can do that.”

The squad is set to include a strong blend of youth and experience with the likes of Lois Forsel, Clare Robinson and Holly Freestone all expected to make their England debuts alongside veteran centre Natalie Gilmour, now in her 12th year on the international stage.  

Lindsey Anfield and Michelle Greenwood return to the England team for the first time since the 2008 World Cup after rejoining the Talent Development Squad earlier this year and will rejoin the squad for three sessions before going into camp ready for the Test match against the French Women.

The England squad to face France at Lilleshall National Sports Centre on Saturday July 10 is:

Lindsey Anfield (Wakefield)
Michelle Greenwood (Wakefield)
Jo Watmore (Warrington Ladies)
Jodie Cunningham (Warrington Ladies)
Dani Titterington (Wakefield)
Gemma Walsh (Wakefield Panthers)   
Kirsty Moroney (Bradford Thunderbirds)
Emma Slowe (Wakefield Townville)
Lois Forsel (Middleton)
Amanda Donaldson (Copeland Wildcats)
Claire Robinson (Warrington)
Beth Sutcliffe (Warrington)
Natalie Gilmour (Wakefield Panthers)
Izzy Howard (Warrington Wolves)
Holly Freestone (Copeland Wildcats)
Rachael Twibil (Bradford Thunderbirds)
Dani Bose (Bradford Thunderbirds)
Hannah Bairstow (Middleton)

Head Coach: Brenda Dobek
Assistant Coach: Nigel Johnson
Team Manager: Anita Naughton