Ahead of their World Cup debut later this year, Wales Women will face Canada this Sunday, 19th July 2026, and Saints winger Dani McGifford has been included in the Welsh squad.
The match takes place at The Gnoll in Neath on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Dani has three caps to her name so far for Wales, after making her international debut in 2024, last year she played against Scotland, scoring her first try for the Welsh, and then took on England last August.
It’s terrific recognition for McGifford, who only came into the sport of rugby league ahead of the 2023 season as a former heptathlon athlete. In 2025, she finished the season as the Betfred Women’s Super League’s top try-scorer.
In 2026, Dani has continued her impressive scoring form, registering 16 tries so far ahead of the split into the ‘Super Four’.
McGifford will have a familiar face to assist her too, with Saints Women’s half-back Faye Gaskin serving as the Welsh Assistant Coach to Head Coach Tom Brindle.
The Welsh are preparing for the World Cup in Australia this October, where they’ll take on England, Australia and Samoa, and Tom Brindle knows that this match is important for his side.
“We’re really excited for this challenge against Canada. This is exactly the sort of fixture we need as we continue building towards the World Cup.
“We’ve named five players who could make their international debuts, and that’s a reflection of the strength that’s developing in the women’s game. Every one of them has earned this opportunity through consistently strong performances at club level, and they’ve pushed the experienced players all the way for selection.
“Competition for places is exactly where we want to be as a programme. We know Canada will provide a tough, physical test, but our focus is on playing our game, continuing to improve the standards we’ve set and giving those new players the confidence to show what they can do in a Wales shirt.”
Tickets for Wales versus Canada can be bought by going to wrl.wales/tickets.
Wales Squad
Leanne Burnell, Katie Carr, Jasmine Gibbons, Seren Gough-Walters, Zoe Heeley*, Ffion Jenkins, Sara Jones, Frances Layton*, Rhi Parker, Amberley Ruck, Olivia Williams, Sioned Young* (all Cardiff Demons), Georgia Cussons, Gracie Hobbs (both Huddersfield Giants), Emily Hughes, Ffion Lewis, Jade Mullen*, Kathryn Salter (all London Broncos), Dani McGifford (St Helens), Hollie Brussels* (Warrington Wolves), Bethan Dainton, Carys Marsh (both Wigan Warriors), Agnes Wood (York Valkyrie).
*uncapped
