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 clash held on Saturday in Toulouse. The match, staged at the Stade Ernest-Wallon – the home ground of Toulouse Olympique – marked England's first international outing of the year and set the tone for their World Cup ambitions.
From the outset, the French hosts tried to assert themselves, taking an early lead through two well‑executed penalty kicks that were successfully converted. However, the momentum quickly shifted when debutant Ellise Derbyshire broke through the French defence to register England's first try of the encounter. Derbyshire's breakthrough was a sign of things to come, as she would go on to add a second try later in the game, highlighting her immediate impact at the international level.
England's attacking flair was on full display as Lucy Murray crossed the try line twice, showcasing her speed and positional awareness. Following Murray's contributions, Ella Donnelly celebrated a personal milestone by scoring her inaugural try while wearing the England jersey, further expanding the lead and demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.
The team's performance was orchestrated by coach Stuart Barrow, whose strategies clearly paid dividends as England began to dominate possession and territory. One of the standout moments of the first half came from Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, who embarked on a spectacular run that saw her evade multiple French defenders before grounding the ball for a try. Hunter's effort not only highlighted her individual brilliance but also underscored England's ability to create scoring opportunities through individual skill and cohesive teamwork. By the interval, England had surged ahead to a 28-4 advantage, a testament to their relentless attacking approach and defensive solidity.
The second half saw England maintain their intensity and continue to pile pressure on the French side. Playmaker Jenna Foubister added another try to the tally, demonstrating her vision and ability to exploit gaps in the opposition's line. Derbyshire, already on the scoresheet, completed her brace with a second try, cementing her status as a rising star in the England setup. Throughout the half, England's forward pack and backline worked in harmony, creating space for their backs and ensuring a steady flow of possession.
Kicking duties were expertly handled by Izzy Rowe, who successfully converted five of the seven attempts at goal, contributing significantly to the final margin. Rowe's accuracy from the tee added valuable points and reflected the team's overall discipline in capitalising on scoring opportunities.
In total, the try scorers for England were Ellise Derbyshire (two tries), Lucy Murray (two tries), Ella Donnelly, Eva Hunter, and Jenna Foubister. The comprehensive victory, with a final score of 38-4, not only provided a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup but also offered a clear indication of England's attacking potency and defensive resilience.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match served as an important benchmark for the England coaching staff and players. It allowed them to assess combinations, test new talent such as Derbyshire, and refine tactical approaches against a competitive European side. The performance also highlighted the growing depth of women's rugby league in England, with several players stepping up to deliver match‑winning contributions. Looking ahead, the England women will build on this dominant display as they continue their World Cup preparations.
The squad will likely focus on fine‑tuning set‑piece execution, maintaining defensive structures, and ensuring that the attacking rhythm displayed against France can be replicated against the world’s elite teams. Coach Barrow will be keen to keep the momentum going, using the confidence gained from this win to foster a strong team culture and a winning mindset.
For fans and followers of the sport, the match reinforced England's status as a formidable contender in the upcoming tournament. The blend of experienced campaigners like Eva Hunter and emerging talents such as Ellise Derbyshire provides a balanced squad capable of adapting to different styles of play and overcoming the challenges that lie ahead in the World Cup. The England rugby league website continues to provide updates, news, and insights into the team's journey as they aim to lift the World Cup trophy.
Stay tuned for further developments, player interviews, and in‑depth analysis as the tournament approaches.