Date: 3/10/18
England Women’s head coach Craig Richards has named ten uncapped players in his 20-player squad to face France in Carcassonne on Saturday, October 27th (KO 1.00pm BST/2.00pm CEST).
16-year-old Caitlin Beevers, who made her debut for Leeds Rhinos in April this year after making a huge impression in the Year 10 and Year 11 Girls Champions Schools Finals over the past two years, is named in the squad. Beevers also scored in the Rhinos Women’s Challenge Cup final win against Castleford Tigers and became the first female match official to referee the Year 7 Boys Champion Schools Final at Wembley earlier this year.
Georgia Roche and Tara Stanley, who are both shortlisted for the inaugural Woman of Steel award after impressive seasons for Castleford Tigers, are named in the squad.
All four Women’s Super League semi-finalists have representatives in the side; St Helens lead the way with six, Castleford Tigers have five, Leeds Rhinos have four and Wigan Warriors have two players named.
Bradford Bulls have two players named, and Andrea Dobson has been selected from Featherstone Rovers.
Seven of the squad who played in last year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia are included.
England Women’s head coach, Craig Richards said: “We really feel as though we’ve got a good blend of experienced internationals and new players, who have excelled in this year’s competitions and will continue to grow as individuals and players.
“They have all worked really hard on the National Performance Programme and this Test match will allow us to further challenge our player philosophy, whilst contining to build a strong culture within the group.”
The game against France will be played at the Stade Albert Domec in the first part of a double-header which also includes the European Championship Men’s game between France and Wales. It will be England Women’s first international fixture since the 2017 World Cup.
