The England women’s rugby league side stepped up their World Cup preparations with a commanding display against France in a mid‑season international held on Saturday in Toulouse. The match, staged at the historic Stade Ernest‑Wallon – home to Toulouse Olympique – marked England’s first international fixture of the year and served as a crucial rehearsal for the upcoming tournament.
From the opening whistle, the English team made their intentions clear. France drew first blood by converting two penalty kicks, giving the hosts a 4‑0 lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted when debutante Ellise Derbyshire broke through the French defense to score the visitors’ inaugural try, leveling the scores.
Derbyshire’s early impact set the tone for what would become a dominant performance by the England side. The English attack continued to blossom.
Lucy Murray, displaying her trademark speed and agility, crossed the try‑line twice, further extending England’s lead and showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. Joining her in the try‑scoring department was Ella Donnelly, who celebrated her first ever try wearing an England shirt. Donnelly’s effort was a testament to the growing confidence of the younger players and highlighted the successful integration of fresh faces into the senior setup. One of the standout moments of the first half came from Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel.
Hunter embarked on a spectacular run, evading multiple French defenders before diving over for a try that pushed the scoreboard to 28‑4 at the break. Her performance not only demonstrated her individual brilliance but also underscored the physical dominance England was imposing on their opponents. The second half saw England maintain, and even amplify, their attacking intensity. Playmaker Jenna Foubister added another try to the tally, further widening the gap between the two sides.
Derbyshire, who had already made a strong impression, secured her second try of the match, cementing her status as a rising star in the England camp. Kicking duties fell to Izzy Rowe, who proved reliable between the posts by converting five of England’s seven attempts. Rowe’s accuracy contributed significantly to the final margin, ensuring that each try was fully capitalised upon. In total, England recorded six tries to France’s solitary points from penalties, culminating in a decisive 38‑4 victory.
The try‑scorers for England were Ellise Derbyshire (two), Lucy Murray (two), Ella Donnelly, Eva Hunter, and Jenna Foubister. The comprehensive win not only provided a morale boost but also offered valuable insights for the coaching staff as they fine‑tune tactics ahead of the Rugby League World Cup. Beyond the scoreline, the match served several strategic purposes. Firstly, it allowed the England coaching team to assess the readiness of new entrants like Derbyshire and Donnelly in a high‑pressure environment.
Their ability to perform under the bright lights of an international fixture suggests that the squad depth is strong and that the team can rely on a broader pool of talent during the World Cup. Secondly, the game highlighted the effectiveness of England’s attacking structures.
The seamless combination of forward power, backline speed, and creative playmaking—exemplified by the fluid link‑up between Murray, Hunter, and Foubister—demonstrated a well‑drilled system capable of breaking down even organised defences. This will be crucial when facing the world’s elite teams, many of whom employ disciplined defensive patterns.
Thirdly, the defensive effort cannot be overlooked. Conceding only two penalties and no tries against a motivated French side indicates that England’s defensive organisation is on track.
The ability to maintain a solid line, apply pressure at the breakdown, and force opponents into errors will be a cornerstone of their World Cup campaign. The match also offered a platform for the England women’s team to engage with French supporters and promote the sport across Europe.
Playing at Stade Ernest‑Wallon, a venue steeped in rugby league history, helped raise the profile of the women’s game and provided fans with a glimpse of the high‑quality rugby league that will be on display at the World Cup. Looking ahead, the England coaching staff will likely review footage from the Toulouse test to fine‑tune set‑piece execution, improve conversion rates, and ensure that the defensive line remains impenetrable under fatigue. The performance of key players such as Eva Hunter, who continues to justify her Woman of Steel accolade, will be pivotal, while emerging talents like Derbyshire will be monitored closely to maximise their impact. In summary, the 38‑4 triumph over France in Toulouse was more than just a warm‑up win; it was a clear statement of intent from the England women’s rugby league team.
The blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, combined with a robust tactical framework, positions England as a formidable contender for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team builds on this momentum, aiming to translate their dominant performance in France into success on the world stage. For further updates and detailed coverage, visit the England Rugby League homepage and stay tuned to the latest rugby league news.