The England Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) Women’s team recently played Catalans Dragons in Perpignan with many of the squad facing overseas opposition for the very first time.
The 2024 tour was the second of its kind, with the 2023 cohort facing the Dragons U19’s side last year.
The 2024 fixture was a tight encounter, with captain Grace Short crossing for a double, alongside Lily Thompson and Emma Knowles converting one. Whilst the side fell to a 18-14 defeat, the experience was invaluable for all the touring squad, with them gaining a taste of what it’s like to play representative rugby abroad.
DiSE is the first step on the England Performance Pathway, a national programme for Year 12 and 13 girls who have the potential to play at the highest level of the game – representing England Rugby League with either the Knights or the Women’s senior team.
Recent notable graduates include Leeds Rhinos Keara Bennett and St Helens Eboni Partington who have both featured heavily for both club and country since completing the pathway.
Rugby Football League DiSE Manager, Conor Meese, said:
“The DiSE Class of 24’ have excelled in all aspects of the programme and touring Catalan is a great way for them to finish their time with us. I’m extremely proud of their performance on the field, especially with very limited team preparation against a strong Catalan side.
Even though they may not have got the win, their professionalism and behaviours throughout their time away with us was exemplary. I hope this experience plays a key part in their Rugby League journeys, whatever it may hold for them next”.
“The trip has given all the players invaluable experience, and we hope that it gives them a taste of what it could be like should they progress to representing England on the international stage.”
The next and sixth DiSE cohort, will be announced next week.
DiSE Catalan touring squad 2024:
Olivia Atherton, Grace Banks, Leah Mae Beckett, Gracie Bradshaw, Tilly Brown, Charli Carlton, Mayzi Carter, Evie Cousins, Oceana Faulkner, Elise Gater, Keira Gittins, Isabel Glover, Hannah Hill, Holly Humphries, Emma Knowles, Jess Sharp, Grace Short, Lily Thompson, Ruby Tyson, Emma Welsford, Amelia Yates.
