England's women's rugby league team delivered a strong performance in their international match against France, emerging as 38-4 winners at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse. This victory marked their first international fixture of the year and served as a significant boost to their preparations for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
The match began with France taking the lead through two converted penalties, but England debutant Ellise Derbyshire soon scored to shift the momentum. Lucy Murray went on to score two tries, while Ella Donnelly also crossed for her first try in an England shirt, as the team, led by Stuart Barrow, gained dominance. A notable highlight was Eva Hunter's impressive run, evading multiple French defenders to touch down and take the score to 28-4 at halftime. The second half saw England continue their strong form, with playmaker Jenna Foubister scoring and Derbyshire claiming her second try, while Izzy Rowe successfully kicked five out of seven conversions.
The tries were scored by Derbyshire (twice), Murray (twice), Donnelly, Hunter, and Foubister.