England’s women’s rugby league side, under the guidance of head coach Stuart Barrow, has unveiled a 23‑player roster for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The selection reflects a blend of seasoned internationals, emerging talent, and a handful of newcomers making their first appearance on the senior stage. Among the fresh faces are four players who have yet to earn a senior cap.
The most high‑profile debutant is 23‑year‑old Jasmin Strange, a second‑row forward who starred in the NRLW Grand Final for the Sydney Roosters. Although born in Australia, Strange qualifies for England through her mother, who was born in the country. She will join the England camp in Perth after the Roosters’ match against the Brisbane Broncos on 4 October.
The other three uncapped athletes are Connie Boyd of the Leeds Rhinos, Hope Millard from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and Lucie Sams who plays for the Wigan Warriors. All three have impressed at club level and earned their first call‑up as part of Barrow’s strategy to inject youthful energy into the squad.
Three of the nominees for this year’s Woman of Steel award have secured places in the World Cup squad, and they will travel alongside six of their Wigan Warriors teammates. Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams will learn the outcome of the Woman of Steel award on 29 September, after which they will depart for Australia the following Thursday to join the national team’s preparations. Returning to the international scene after a four‑year hiatus is Fran Goldthorp, who featured in the 2022 World Cup, scoring three tries in four matches. Goldthorp joins two other England‑qualified players who are currently based in the NRLW: Georgia Roche, who plies her trade with the Newcastle Knights, and Hollie‑Mae Dodd of the Canberra Raiders.
Their inclusion underscores Barrow’s intention to combine the best of the English domestic league with the high‑performance environment of the Australian competition. York Valkyrie, the reigning Betfred Women’s Super League champions, are represented by forward Liv Wood, while the league’s top try‑scorer, Amelia Brown of the Huddersfield Giants, also earns a spot in the squad. St Helens’ veteran loose forward Jodie Cunningham, now 34, returns for what will be her fourth World Cup appearance, accompanied by teammate Vicky Whitfield, who adds depth to the forward pack.
Leeds Rhinos have a strong presence, with five players selected. Among them are Young Player of the Year nominees Connie Boyd and Ruby Bruce, both of whom have been recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout the season. Coach Barrow commented on the selection process, saying, “The standard across the wider group has been outstanding throughout the season, which made the selection process incredibly challenging.
At the start of the year, we set out a clear selection timeline with the players, outlining the standards, milestones and opportunities that would contribute to today’s selection. Throughout the season, we’ve had a number of England camps, we have travelled to France, and I’ve been present at all the Super Four games to assess the players in contention for selection.” He continued, “Narrowing our squad from 40 players to a final 23 has involved some difficult decisions, but we believe we have the right balance of experience and youth to compete on the world stage.” Barrow also highlighted the historic nature of this squad, noting that it includes Australian‑based heritage players for the first time.
“Bringing together talent from both the NRLW and the Women’s Super League gives us a unique blend of quality and experience, and we’re excited to see these players come together in an England shirt,” he added. Looking ahead, Barrow emphasized the importance of preparation. “Now our focus turns to preparation.
We know the challenges that await at a World Cup, but we are travelling with a squad that believes in itself, embraces the responsibility of representing England, and is determined to make the nation proud.” The full roster, as announced, includes: Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Connie Boyd (Leeds Rhinos), Amelia Brown (Huddersfield Giants), Ruby Bruce (Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan Warriors), Evie Cousins (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Hollie‑Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Fran Goldthorp (North Queensland), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Molly Jones (Wigan Warriors), Hope Millard (Canterbury Bulldogs), Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors), Lucie Sams (Wigan Warriors), Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors), Liv Wood (York Valkyrie). The Super League Grand Final, a key fixture on the domestic calendar, will be staged at Old Trafford on Saturday, 3 October, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+. The match kicks off at 6 p.m., with pre‑game analysis beginning at 5 p.m.
This high‑profile event provides a final showcase for many of the players before they embark on their World Cup campaign, allowing fans to see the form and fitness of the athletes who will soon be wearing the England jersey on the global stage.