The England women's rugby league side used their mid‑season international clash against France as a springboard to sharpen their preparations for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, delivering a commanding display at the Stade Ernest‑Wallon in Toulouse. This encounter marked England's first senior international fixture of the calendar year, and the visitors left no doubt about their ambitions, cruising to a 38‑4 triumph over the host nation.
From the opening whistle, the French side managed to get on the scoreboard first, converting two penalty kicks to lead 4‑0. However, the English side responded swiftly. Debutante Ellise Derbyshire crossed the try line for England, restoring parity and signalling the start of a dominant second half.
Derbyshire's inaugural try was a sign of things to come; she would later add a second try to her tally, underscoring her immediate impact at the international level. England's attacking fluency was on full display as Lucy Murray, a seasoned campaigner, powered over the line twice. Her first try came after a series of crisp passes that sliced through the French defensive line, while her second was a powerful finish following a sustained drive that saw England push deep into French territory.
The momentum continued with Ella Donnelly, making his first ever try in an England shirt, adding to the growing margin. Donnelly's try was a textbook example of support play: after a break by a teammate, he timed his run perfectly to receive a quick off‑load and sprinted into the corner for the score.
One of the match's standout moments arrived when the reigning Woman of Steel, Eva Hunter, showcased her trademark speed and agility. Breaking through a wall of French defenders, she evaded multiple tackles with a series of sidestepping maneuvers before diving over for a try that pushed the halftime score to 28‑4 in England's favour.
Hunter's effort epitomised the blend of power and finesse that has made her a marquee player for the national side. The second half saw England maintain, and even extend, their dominance. Play‑maker Jenna Foubister, who has been instrumental in orchestrating England's attacking structures throughout the season, added her own try to the ledger, further widening the gap.
Her try came after a well‑executed set‑piece move that saw the ball circulate through the backline before she sliced through a tired French defense to touch down. Ellise Derbyshire capped off her debut performance with a second try, cementing her status as a promising talent for future campaigns.
Throughout the match, England's goal‑kicker Izzy Rowe was reliable from the tee, converting five of the seven attempts at goal, including all five tries scored after the break. Rowe's accuracy contributed significantly to the final tally, ensuring that England's points accumulation was as efficient as it was prolific.
In summary, the try‑scoring list reads as follows: Ellise Derbyshire (2), Lucy Murray (2), Ella Donnelly (1), Eva Hunter (1), Jenna Foubister (1). The comprehensive nature of the victory not only provided a morale boost ahead of the World Cup but also offered valuable insights for the coaching staff.
Stuart Barrow, the England head coach, will likely analyse the fluidity of his team's attacking patterns, the defensive solidity displayed, and the individual performances of emerging players like Derbyshire and Donnelly, all of which bode well for the squad's depth and versatility. Beyond the on‑field action, the match served as a showcase for women's rugby league in France, attracting a respectable crowd at the Ernest‑Wallon stadium and generating media attention across both nations.
The success of the fixture underscores the growing popularity of the women's game and highlights the importance of high‑profile international tests in building momentum for the World Cup. Looking ahead, England will return to their training base with a clear blueprint: refine set‑piece execution, continue to develop attacking combinations, and maintain defensive intensity. The experience gained from playing in a hostile environment in Toulouse will be invaluable when the team faces other top‑tier nations in the tournament. Fans can anticipate a well‑drilled, confident side ready to challenge for the title, buoyed by the confidence derived from a comprehensive win against a capable French side.
For more updates on England's women's rugby league journey, visit the official England Rugby League homepage and stay tuned to the latest rugby league news outlets for further developments as the World Cup approaches.