St.Helens Women's players Dani McGifford and Paige Travis have been named in the 23-player Wales Women's squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup!
The squad has been selected by Wales Head Coach Tom Brindle, who will be aided by St.Helens Women’s half-back Faye Gaskin as Assistant Coach.
Saints winger McGifford has four Welsh caps to her name so far after making her international debut in 2024. The 2025 Betfred Women’s Super League’s top try-scorer scored her first try for Wales in 2025 against Scotland, and earlier this year was part of the team that faced Canada.
Our back-rower Travis is uncapped with Wales, however she has played seven times for England and qualifies for the Welsh side through her heritage.
It’s a history making squad, as this marks the first time that Wales Women will be involved in a World Cup.
Wales will begin their campaign against England at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 17th October (7.35am BST), then face Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday, 23rd October (7.45am BST). Wales will finish the group stage against World Champions, Australia on Sunday, 1st November (4.40am GMT), also at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
Head of Rugby (Academy & Pathways) at St.Helens, Craig Richards, said: “A huge well done to Dani and Paige on their selection for the Wales squad ahead of the World Cup. They are part of a team that is breaking new ground for the Welsh Women’s side, and I am certain they will add a lot to the group on and off the field. On behalf of everyone at Saints, the best of luck to Dani, Paige and Faye.”
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Wales Women’s 23-player squad
Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Demons), Hollie Brussels (Warrington Wolves), Leanne Burnell, Katie Carr (both Cardiff Demons), Georgia Cussons (Huddersfield Giants), Bethan Dainton (captain, Wigan Warriors), Lucia Davies, Jasmine Gibbons, Zoe Heeley (all Cardiff Demons), Gracie Hobbs (Huddersfield Giants), Emily Hughes (London Broncos), Frances Layton (Cardiff Demons), Ffion Lewis (London Broncos), Carys Marsh (Wigan Warriors), Dani McGifford (St. Helens), Jade Mullen (London Broncos), Tayla Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs), Amberley Ruck (Cardiff Demons), Kathryn Salter (London Broncos), Paige Travis (St. Helens), Erin Williams (Cardiff Demons), Siân Williams (North Queensland Cowboys), Agnes Wood (York Valkyrie)
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