England's women's rugby league team boosted their preparations for the upcoming World Cup with a resounding victory over France in a mid-season international match held in Toulouse on Saturday. The team delivered a commanding performance, ultimately winning 38-4 at the Stade Ernest-Wallon, home of Toulouse Olympique. After France initially took the lead with two converted penalties, debutant Ellise Derbyshire scored for England. Lucy Murray then crossed the line twice, followed by Ella Donnelly, who scored her first try for England, as the team, led by Stuart Barrow, began to dominate.
Eva Hunter, the Woman of Steel, made a notable run, evading multiple French defenders to touch down and bring the score to 28-4 by halftime. In the second half, England continued their momentum, with playmaker Jenna Foubister scoring, followed by Derbyshire's second try, and Izzy Rowe successfully converting five out of seven attempts. The tries were scored by Derbyshire (twice), Murray (twice), Donnelly, Hunter, and Foubister.