Leeds Rhinos news: 5 named in England women's squad as Wigan Warriors, St Helens, York Valkyrie also feature
Five Leeds Rhinos players have been named in the England women’s squad to face France in Toulouse this month.
Coach Stuart Barrow’s group will meet in Leeds on Saturday to prepare for the Test at Stade Ernest Wallon on July 25. The match is a key part of England’s build up to this year’s World Cup.
Uncapped centre Evie Cousins is included in England’s 19 after making a try-scoring return from injury in Rhinos’ 56-10 win at Huddersfield Giants last weekend. The 20-year-old, who has scored 29 tries in 31 games since making her Leeds debut two years ago, is joined in the squad by club mates Keara Bennett, Ruby Bruce, Ella Donnelly and Lucy Murray.
Wigan Warriors have eight representatives, there are four from St Helens and one York Valkyrie player is included. Barrow said: “Selection has been very difficult with so much quality on show during the opening rounds of the Betfred Women’s Super League.
“We have unfortunately lost a few players to injury, which is never ideal given their contribution this season and has created some positional headaches. However, that creates opportunities for others and several players come into the squad for the first time after consistently impressing with their performances and attitude. They have earned this chance.”
He added: “Every international fixture is an opportunity to represent your country with pride, but this match is especially important as we build towards our opening game against Wales at the Rugby League World Cup in October. France away is always a tough challenge and that is exactly the type of test we need at this stage of our preparations.
“While our immediate focus is on delivering a strong performance in France, every training session and camp over the coming months will help shape where we need to be when the World Cup begins. I’m excited by the group we’ve assembled and look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunity in Toulouse.”
The England women’s squad is: Mia-Jayne Atherton (Wigan Warriors), Keara Bennett , Ruby Bruce (both Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan), Evie Cousins (Leeds), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies, Ellise Derbyshire (both Wigan), Ella Donnelly (Leeds), Jenna Foubister (Wigan), Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth (St Helens), Eva Hunter (Wigan), Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Lucy Murray (Leeds), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Isabel Rowe (Wigan), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams, Georgia Wilson (both Wigan).