England women ramp up Rugby League World Cup preparations with win in France
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- England women thrashed France 38-4 at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse on Saturday July 25, 2026, the first international of the year and a mid-season Rugby League World Cup warm-up.
- Debutant Ellise Derbyshire scored two tries, part of a seven-try England haul that turned an early French penalty lead into a one-sided rout.
- Lucy Murray also crossed twice, while Ella Donnelly scored her first ever try in an England shirt and Woman of Steel Eva Hunter produced a rampaging run to take the score to 28-4 at half-time.
- France took a surprise early lead through two converted penalties before Jenna Foubister and Derbyshire's second try sealed the second-half dominance.
- Izzy Rowe converted five of seven attempts, providing the consistent kicking boot behind England's spread try-scoring display.
- Stuart Barrow's side ran in seven tries across the squad, demonstrating attacking depth ahead of the World Cup tournament.
Why it matters: England's seven-try dismantling of France in their first international of 2026 gives Stuart Barrow's squad early World Cup momentum, showcasing attacking depth with five different scorers including a two-try debut for Derbyshire. France's early penalty lead exposes the slow starts Barrow must address before the tournament.
