England Women Rugby League Head Coach, Stuart Barrow, has named his 19-player squad to face Wales tomorrow at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 4 November, KO 12noon) – the first game of an international double header also featuring the final match of England Men’s historic series against Tonga (KO 2.30pm).
St Helens’ Jodie Cunningham will captain the side in her 30th full international appearance, with only Saints teammate Emily Rudge ahead of her in the all-time standings. Cunningham’s achievement will round-off what has been a historic year for the 31-year-old, who in August became the first woman to lift the Challenge Cup trophy at Wembley Stadium.
Lacey Owen is likely to make her international debut after a stellar campaign with York Valkyrie saw the 23-year-old return to the senior squad after a three-year hiatus. Owen was influential during this year’s Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final, the second row’s 62nd minute try securing the Valkyrie’s first ever title.
NRLW Grand Final-winner Georgia Roche returns to Headingley for the first time since making the move Down Under from Leeds Rhinos to Newcastle Knights earlier this season.
England Women Head Coach, Stuart Barrow, says: “We’ve been in camp for a few days now and I have been really impressed with everyone’s attitude and commitment since we got together as a group again. We’re all focused on the challenge ahead and I think we are in a good place heading into Saturday.
“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion in front of the crowd at Headingley, and hopefully we can secure a win and make it a special day for both Jodie and Lacey, who will be celebrating a 30th and debut cap achievement.”
England Women Squad
Caitlin Beevers, Keara Bennett (both Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Amy Hardcastle (Leeds Rhinos), Shona Hoyle (St Helens), Zoe Hornby (Leeds Rhinos), Tara Jones (St Helens), Vicky Molyneux (Wigan Warriors), Lacey Owen (York Valkyrie), Eboni Partington (St Helens), Sinead Peach (York Valkyrie), Emily Rudge (St Helens), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Olivia Wood (York Valkyrie), Tara-Jane Stanley (York Valkyrie), Paige Travis, Vicky Whitfield (both St Helens)
Tickets for the Headingley double-header, and England Wheelchair versus France at the first direct Arena on Sunday, are available now at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague
