The England women’s rugby league side stepped up their preparations for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup with a commanding display against France in a mid‑season international held on Saturday in Toulouse. The match, staged at the Stade Ernest‑Wallon – the home ground of Toulouse Olympique – marked England's first international fixture of the calendar year and served as a crucial benchmark for the squad as they fine‑tune tactics, cohesion and confidence ahead of the world tournament.
From the opening whistle, the English team imposed their game plan with purpose and precision. France struck first, earning a lead through two well‑taken penalty goals. However, the early setback only seemed to sharpen England's resolve.
Debutante Ellise Derbyshire broke the deadlock for the visitors, crossing the try line to give England a glimmer of momentum. Her effort was a sign of things to come, as she would later add a second try to a night that highlighted her emerging talent on the international stage. The English attack soon found its rhythm. Lucy Murray, a seasoned campaigner, touched down twice, showcasing her speed and positional awareness near the French try line.
Her contributions were complemented by a historic moment for Ella Donnelly, who celebrated her first ever try while wearing the England shirt. Donnelly's score was a testament to the depth of the squad and the coaching staff's ability to integrate new players seamlessly into the system. Perhaps the most electrifying moment of the first half came from the reigning Woman of Steel, Eva Hunter.
Demonstrating why she holds the sport's most prestigious individual award, Hunter executed a powerful, evasive run that saw her sidestep multiple French defenders before grounding the ball. Her try pushed the scoreboard to 28‑4 at the interval, underscoring England's dominance and the lethal combination of experience and youthful exuberance within the team. The second half saw England maintain their intensity.
Play‑maker Jenna Foubister, known for her vision and distribution, added her own try, further extending the lead. Derbyshire, already on the scoresheet, completed her brace with a second try that highlighted her growing confidence at the international level. Throughout the half, England's forward pack continued to dominate the rucks and set‑pieces, providing a solid platform for the backs to exploit. Goal‑kicking duties were expertly handled by Izzy Rowe, who successfully converted five of the seven attempts at goal.
Rowe's accuracy not only added valuable points but also demonstrated the team's composure under pressure, a quality that will be essential when facing the world’s elite in the upcoming tournament. In total, England recorded six tries: two from Derbyshire, two from Murray, and one each from Donnelly, Hunter and Foubister.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 38‑4 triumph for England, a result that will undoubtedly boost morale and provide a clear indication of the squad’s attacking potency and defensive solidity. Beyond the scoreboard, the match offered several broader insights. Firstly, the integration of debutants like Derbyshire proved seamless, suggesting that the depth of talent in the English women’s program is robust enough to sustain a long World Cup campaign.
Secondly, the performance of veteran players such as Murray and Hunter reaffirmed their leadership roles, both on and off the field, as they guide younger teammates through the pressures of high‑stakes competition. The coaching staff, led by Stuart Barrow, will likely analyse the game footage to fine‑tune strategies, particularly in areas such as defensive line speed and set‑piece execution. The clear communication between forwards and backs, as evidenced by the fluid transition from scrum to attack, will be a focal point as the team prepares for the varied playing styles they will encounter against nations from the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.
Furthermore, the match served as a valuable opportunity for the English side to experience playing conditions outside the UK, adapting to the atmosphere of a French stadium and the nuances of a different crowd dynamic. Such exposure is invaluable in building the mental resilience required for the World Cup, where teams must quickly adjust to new venues, time zones, and cultural contexts.
Overall, the 38‑4 victory over France was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. England women have demonstrated that they possess a balanced blend of seasoned internationals, emerging talent, and tactical acumen. As the Rugby League World Cup approaches, this performance will serve as a cornerstone for their campaign, reinforcing belief among players, staff, and supporters that the squad is well‑equipped to contend for the ultimate prize.
For further updates, fans can visit the England Rugby League homepage, where the latest news, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content will be regularly posted as the team continues its World Cup journey.