Tom Brindle has named his squad to face England in Saturday’s historic World Cup match in Perth (7.35 AM BST, 2.35pm local).
Hannah Bluck will become an international in a fourth different sport having been named at centre, while Canterbury Bulldogs captain, Tayla Preston starts at scrum-half alongside Ffion Lewis at stand-off, who will become the first woman to play in a World Cup in both codes.
Paige Travis will run out in a Welsh shirt for the first time after being named in the second-row, while Erin Williams of Cardiff Demons is among the interchanges. Also uncapped is Warrington Wolves winger, Hollie Brussels who is also named in the 21-player squad.
Wigan Warriors loose forward Bethan Dainton captains the side, with 2026 Super League Grand Final winner Agnes Wood named at prop. Leanne Burnell, Emily Hughes and Kathryn Salter are in the matchday squad – all three played in the very first game for Wales’ women’s side on Saturday 26 October – a 30-6 loss to Great Britain Teachers at The Gnoll in Neath.
Speaking following selection, Brindle said: “Saturday is a moment of history, not just in rugby league or women’s sport, but for Welsh sport as a whole. To be in a World Cup in just under seven years since a first ever game is an achievement everyone involved along the way can be proud of. They are part of this story and the red threads that connect us all.
“Now we’re here, we’re here to compete, starting with England on Saturday. They are a talented team with ambitions of going far in this competition so we know we will need to be at our very best. But we have confidence in the quality of our own squad and the motivation to go and show the best of Wales on the world stage.”
The squad in full is: 1. Leanne Burnell, 2. Dani McGifford, 3. Hannah Bluck*, 4. Zoe Heeley, 5. Frances Layton, 6. Ffion Lewis, 7. Tayla Preston*, 8. Agnes Wood, 9. Jasmine Gibbons, 10. Emily Hughes, 11. Georgia Cussons, 12. Paige Travis*, 13. Bethan Dainton (c), 14. Carys Marsh, 15. Kathryn Salter, 16, Katie Carr, 17. Erin Williams*, 18 Jade Mullen, 19. Gracie Hobbs, 20. Amberley Ruck, 21. Hollie Brussels*
*uncapped
