The England women’s rugby league side stepped up their preparation for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup with an impressive mid‑season test match against France on Saturday, delivering a commanding performance at the Stade Ernest‑Wallon in Toulouse. This encounter marked England’s first international fixture of the calendar year, and the result – a 38‑4 triumph – underscored the team’s growing confidence and depth as they approach the world tournament.
From the opening whistle, the French hosts tried to assert themselves, taking an early lead through two well‑taken penalty kicks that were calmly converted. However, the momentum quickly shifted when England’s debutant Ellise Derbyshire crossed the try line, restoring parity and signalling the start of a dominant display.
Derbyshire’s first try was a sign of things to come; she would go on to add a second score later in the match, showcasing her ability to exploit gaps in the French defensive line. England’s back row, led by Lucy Murray, continued to apply pressure.
Murray, a seasoned campaigner, found the try‑line twice, each time demonstrating her speed and power to finish off the team’s attacking moves. Her contributions were pivotal in building a comfortable lead before the half‑time break.
Joining Murray in the try‑scoring department was Ella Donnelly, who celebrated her inaugural try wearing an England shirt. Donnelly’s effort was a testament to the depth of talent within the squad, as she capitalised on a well‑executed set‑piece to breach the French defence. One of the most memorable moments of the first half came from Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel. Hunter embarked on a spectacular solo run, evading multiple French defenders with agility and strength before grounding the ball for a try that pushed the scoreboard to 28‑4 at the interval.
Her performance epitomised the blend of individual brilliance and collective cohesion that England has cultivated over the past season. The second half saw the English side maintain, and even extend, their dominance. Playmaker Jenna Foubister, renowned for her vision and tactical acumen, added another try, further widening the gap between the two teams.
Her ability to read the game and exploit weaknesses in the French line was on full display, reinforcing her status as a key orchestrator of England’s attacking strategy. Derbyshire, having already scored once, completed a brace of tries, cementing her impact on the match and highlighting the successful integration of new talent into the squad. Throughout the game, England’s goal‑kicker Izzy Rowe proved reliable, converting five of the seven attempts at goal. Her accuracy contributed significantly to the final tally, ensuring that every try was maximised on the scoreboard.
In summary, the try‑scoring summary for the match reads as follows: Ellise Derbyshire (2), Lucy Murray (2), Ella Donnelly (1), Eva Hunter (1), Jenna Foubister (1). The comprehensive victory not only provided a morale boost ahead of the World Cup but also offered the coaching staff valuable insights into player combinations, set‑piece execution, and defensive structures. Beyond the on‑field action, the match served as a platform for England’s coaching team, led by Stuart Barrow, to assess the squad’s fitness levels, tactical adaptability, and mental resilience under pressure. The seamless transition from the first half to the second, with sustained intensity and disciplined defending, suggested that the team is well‑prepared to handle the rigours of a World Cup campaign, where matches are often played in quick succession.
The broader context of women’s rugby league continues to evolve, with increasing visibility and support across Europe. England’s performance in Toulouse contributes to that momentum, inspiring younger players and reinforcing the sport’s growing popularity.
The match also highlighted the importance of international fixtures in building competitive experience, especially for emerging talents like Derbyshire and Donnelly, who now have a proven record on the international stage. Looking ahead, England will use the lessons learned from this fixture to fine‑tune their strategies, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity while encouraging creative attacking play. The blend of seasoned veterans such as Hunter and Murray with fresh faces like Derbyshire offers a balanced squad capable of adapting to different opponents and conditions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as England continues its preparation schedule, with the ultimate goal of lifting the Rugby League World Cup trophy.
The dominant display against France is a strong indicator that the team possesses both the skill set and the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. As the tournament approaches, the England women’s side will aim to replicate this level of performance, ensuring that every match is approached with the same intensity, discipline, and hunger for victory. For further updates, fixtures, and detailed coverage of England’s rugby league journey, readers are encouraged to visit the official England Rugby League website and follow the latest news releases.