England Women Head Coach Craig Richards has made two late changes to his squad to take on Wales tomorrow, live on The Sportsman, from 1pm.
St Helens duo Beth Stott and Tara Jones have come into the side in place of the Leeds Rhinos team-mates Courtney Winfield-Hill and Keara Bennett. Both Winfield-Hill and Bennett were due to make their international debuts on Sunday.
However, Winfield-Hill has failed to produce a negative Covid-19 test in time to feature after testing positive last weekend, whilst hooker Bennett has had to pull out of the side due to illness.
Stott made her international debut in the 60-0 victory over Wales last season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Jones will earn her ninth England cap should she feature on Sunday.
Richards said: “Of course it is disappointing to lose two players in the lead-up to the game and it’s a shame for them personally as both were going to make their England debut.
“Fortunately for both Courtney and Keara we have another outing next weekend against France, and they will both be in contention to feature in that.
“However, it really shows the strength of the squad that we can bring in two players of Beth and Tara’s quality who already have experience on the international stage.
“There is a great competition for places amongst the squad at the moment which is fantastic heading into these mid-season internationals and the Rugby League World Cup later this year.â€
England Women’s Rugby League World Cup preparations will continue next weekend as they host France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium, as part of double-header with the Men’s clash with the Combined Nations All Stars. Tickets are available here with Our League members able to get two tickets for every one purchased.
England Women Squad v Wales:
- Dannielle Anderson (Leeds Rhinos)
- Leah Burke (St Helens)
- Caroline Collie (Bedford Tigers)
- Jodie Cunningham (St Helens)
- Hollie Dodd (York City Knights)
- Grace Field (York City Knights)
- Fran Goldthorp (Leeds Rhinos)
- Amy Hardcastle (St Helens)
- Zoe Harris (St Helens)
- Shona Hoyle (St Helens)
- Tara Jones (St Helens)
- Bethan Oates (Huddersfield Giants)
- Georgia Roche (Leeds Rhinos)
- Emily Rudge © (St Helens)
- Tara Stanley (York City Knights)
- Beth Stott (St Helens)
- Paige Travis (St Helens)
- Vicky Whitfield (St Helens)
- Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors)
- Olivia Wood (York City Knights)
