The England women’s rugby league side stepped up their preparation for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup with a commanding display against France in a mid‑season international held on Saturday in Toulouse. This match marked England’s first senior international fixture of the calendar year, and the visitors left the Stade Ernest‑Wallon – the home ground of Toulouse Olympique – with a resounding 38‑4 triumph. From the outset, the French hosts tried to assert themselves, taking an early lead through two well‑executed penalty kicks that were both 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 second‑half for the English side.
Derbyshire’s inaugural try was a sign of things to come, as she would later add a second score to her tally. Lucy Murray proved instrumental in the early stages, touching down twice and showcasing the speed and agility that have made her a regular fixture in the England attack.
Her tries helped to widen the gap and put the French defense under increasing pressure. Following Murray’s efforts, Ella Donnelly, wearing the England shirt for the first time, also found the try‑line, further extending the lead and underscoring the depth of talent within the squad.
One of the highlights of the first half came from the reigning Woman of Steel, Eva Hunter. In a moment that will be replayed in many highlights reels, Hunter executed a powerful, evasive run that saw her break through a wall of French defenders before grounding the ball. Her try pushed the score to 28‑4 at the interval, giving England a comfortable cushion and a psychological edge heading into the break. The second half saw England maintain their relentless tempo.
Play‑maker Jenna Foubister, who has been a key architect of England’s attacking structures, added another try, further increasing the margin. Her vision and distribution continued to test the French back‑line, who struggled to contain the English onslaught. Derbyshire, already on the scoresheet once, completed her brace with a second try, cementing her impact on her debut.
Conversion duties were handled efficiently by Izzy Rowe, who successfully kicked five of the seven attempts at goal. Rowe’s accuracy from the tee contributed significantly to the final tally, ensuring that each try was fully capitalised upon. The final whistle confirmed a 38‑4 victory for England, a result that not only boosts confidence but also provides a clear statement of intent ahead of the World Cup.
In summary, the try‑scorers for England were: - Ellise Derbyshire (2) - Lucy Murray (2) - Ella Donnelly (1) - Eva Hunter (1) - Jenna Foubister (1) The match served as a valuable benchmark for England’s preparations, allowing coach Stuart Barrow to assess the form and fitness of his squad against a competitive French side. The performance highlighted the blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, suggesting that England possess the depth and versatility required for a successful World Cup campaign.
Beyond the on‑field action, the fixture also provided an opportunity for the players to experience the atmosphere of a French stadium, adapt to different conditions, and fine‑tune their strategies under the guidance of the coaching staff. The dominant win will likely serve as a morale booster and a tactical reference point as the team moves closer to the tournament. For fans seeking further updates, the England rugby league website continues to offer the latest news, match reports, and player profiles, keeping supporters informed as the women’s team progresses toward the Rugby League World Cup.
Overall, the emphatic victory in Toulouse not only adds a significant win to England’s record but also reinforces their status as one of the leading contenders for the upcoming World Cup title.