England Women coach Chris Chapman has named a 24-strong squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup which kicks-off in July and culminates with the Women’s World Cup final at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds, on Sunday July 14.
The squad features nine players from Thatto Heath, six from Featherstone, five Bradford players, two from Normanton and sole representatives from Cross Fields and Coventry.
England will face stiff competition from Australia, France and three-time Women’s World Cup winners New Zealand if they are to lift the trophy on home soil this year but Chapman, who took over from Steve McCormack earlier this year, believes his squad has the ability to go all the way.
“We’ve had the squad training together since the start of the year and we’ve had some really good, tough sessions,” said Chapman.
“There are a lot of good players who have missed out on selection for the competition but I feel the group that we have selected have a good blend of experience and youth and have the skills to succeed if they apply themselves and work hard for each other.
“New Zealand will be confident of retaining their title and Australia will be coming here confident as well but we’re on home soil and we’ll be going out there to make an impact and hopefully we will be celebrating on July 14.”
England Women 24-strong squad (club in brackets):
Lindsay Anfield (Normanton)
Dani Bound (Thatto Heath)
Katie Cooper-Birkenhead (Featherstone)
Jodie Cunningham (Thatto Heath)
Andrea Dobson (Featherstone)
Kim Field (Featherstone)
Lois Forsell (Bradford)
Holly Freestone (Thatto Heath)
Natalie Gilmour (Featherstone)
Claire Hall (Thatto Heath)
Amy Hardcastle (Bradford)
Lori Holloran (Normanton)
Clare McGinnis (Thatto Heath)
Kirsty Moroney (Bradford)
Holly Myers (Coventry/Southamton)
Emily Rudge (Thatto Heath)
Emma Slowe (Featherstone)
Lauren Stallwood (Bradford)
Tara Stanley (Crossfields)
Beth Sutcliffe (Thatto Heath)
Danielle Titterington (Featherstone)
Rachel Twibill (Bradford)
Gemma Walsh (Thatto Heath)
Jenny Welsby (Thatto Heath)
Tickets for the Festivals of World Cup finals day at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Sunday July 14, when the winners of the Women’s, Police and Student Rugby League World Cups will be decided, are priced at £6 for Adults and £2 for under-16s and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office by calling 0844 856 1113 (9.00am to 5.00pm) or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk