Strange Ruled Out of World Cup With Knee Injury — SkimNews
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- Jasmin Strange suffered a serious knee injury in a defensive training session and has been ruled out of the World Cup, with England head coach Stuart Barrow calling it a "devastating blow" for the squad and the coaching staff.
- Strange had impressed on her debut, scoring a try in England's 70-6 win over Wales in their World Cup opener, and was one of five NRLW players in Barrow's squad — she plays club rugby for the Sydney Roosters as a second-row.
- Stuart Barrow confirmed Leeds Rhinos second-row Lucy Murray will be a "straight swap" replacement for Strange this weekend, and said there are no plans to bring in another player for the remainder of the tournament.
- England face reigning world champions Australia in Perth next, in a side that has been significantly reshaped since a record 90-4 defeat to the Jillaroos in March 2025.
- Barrow described the injury as "almost a freak accident," explaining that Strange was with the ball, did a step, and went down in what was meant to be a defensive drill; she was scanned within seven hours and was set to return to camp that same evening.
Why it matters: England lose a forward who had just announced herself with a debut try against Wales, thinning their second-row depth at the worst point in a World Cup against tournament favorites Australia. Barrow confirmed no further replacement will be called up, so the 23-player squad must absorb the loss internally — and Strange, from a rugby league family with Yorkshire roots, will rejoin the camp the same evening she was scanned.
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