England’s women’s rugby league head coach Stuart Barrow has unveiled his 23‑player roster for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The selection features a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces, reflecting the depth and growing talent pool in the English game. Among the newcomers are four players who have yet to earn an England cap. Notably, 23‑year‑old Jasmin Strange, a second‑row forward who starred in the NRLW Grand Final with the Sydney Roosters, has earned a place.
Although born in Australia, Strange qualifies for England through her mother, who was born in the UK. She will join the squad in Perth after the Roosters’ clash with the Brisbane Broncos on October 4.
The other uncapped athletes are Leeds Rhinos forward Connie Boyd, Canterbury‑Bulldogs winger Hope Millard, and Wigan Warriors prop Lucie Sams. Their inclusion signals Barrow’s willingness to reward strong domestic performances with international opportunities.
All three nominees for this year’s Woman of Steel award have been selected, alongside six of their Wigan Warriors teammates. Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams will learn the outcome of the award on September 29, before the squad departs for Australia the following Thursday.
Former World Cup star Fran Goldthorp returns to the England set‑up for the first time since the 2022 tournament, where she featured in four matches and crossed the try‑line three times. She joins two other NRLW‑based English players – Newcastle Knights centre Georgia Roche and Canberra Raiders forward Hollie‑Mae Dodd – further highlighting the cross‑hemisphere talent pool. York Valkyrie, the newly crowned Betfred Women’s Super League champions, are represented by forward Liv Wood.
The competition’s leading try‑scorer, Amelia Brown of the Huddersfield Giants, also secures a spot, underscoring the importance of attacking firepower in Barrow’s plans. St Helens loose forward Jodie Cunningham, a veteran heading to her fourth World Cup, is accompanied by teammate Vicky Whitfield, adding experience and cohesion to the squad’s forward pack. Leeds Rhinos contribute five players, including Young Player of the Year nominees Connie Boyd and Ruby Bruce, both of whom earned selection based on their standout performances throughout the season.
Barrow commented on the difficulty of the selection process, noting the high standards displayed across the broader training group. “At the start of the year we set out a clear timeline for selection, outlining the standards, milestones and opportunities that would lead to today’s squad,” he explained. “We held multiple England camps, traveled to France, and I attended every Super Four game to assess the candidates.” He added, “Reducing the pool from 40 players to a final 23 required some tough decisions, but we believe we have struck the right balance between experience and youth to compete on the world stage.” Barrow also highlighted the historic inclusion of heritage players based in Australia, marking the first time such athletes have been selected for England.
“Combining talent from the NRLW and the Women’s Super League gives us a unique blend of quality and experience,” he said. “We’re excited to see these players unite under the England jersey.” Looking ahead, Barrow emphasized preparation. “We know the challenges that await at a World Cup, but we travel with a squad that believes in itself, embraces the responsibility of representing England, and is determined to make the nation proud.” The squad list 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), and Liv Wood (York Valkyrie). The Women’s Super League Grand Final will be staged at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+.
The match kicks off at 6 p.m., with pre‑game coverage beginning at 5 p.m. This high‑profile event serves as a final showcase of domestic talent before the England squad embarks on its World Cup campaign.