St.Helens Women's players Jodie Cunningham and Vicky Whitfield have been named in the 23-player squad that will represent England at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup!
England Women’s Head Coach Stuart Barrow will call upon the experience and leadership of Cunningham as she heads into a fourth World Cup competition, and as the most capped Women’s player for England with 35 appearances for the national side.
Whilst the loose forward has served as a senior leader in the England team, this coming World Cup will be her first as Captain.
Following England’s campaign, Jodie will bring the curtain down on her remarkable and pioneering career, which will mark the end of her incredible ambassadorial role as a player for Women’s Rugby League. A true trailblazing figure for the growth of the sport.
Prop forward Whitfield has enjoyed another stellar season as one of the very best in her position across the Betfred Women’s Super League. Scoring eight tries over the season, she has consistently made an impact every time she has stepped onto the field.
This will be Whitfield’s second selection for a World Cup competition, following on from 2022 where she made such an impact that she earned her place in the 2022 tournament’s World Team.
Last autumn Vicky was named as England’s Vice Captain, a role she continued for the team in their mid-season international against France this past summer.
Joint Head Coach of St.Helens Women, Craig Richards, said: “Congratulations to Jodie and Vicky on their selection for England’s World Cup squad. It is a terrific achievement and justly deserved following the efforts they have displayed this past season.
“It is disappointing to not have more of our Saints selected for the England team, but I am sure this will light a fire in the bellies of those not chosen this time.
“I am more than sure that Jodie’s leadership as Captain will also be vital to the squad as the most-capped England Women’s international, and when she leads out the team she will lead from the front, right from the first whistle until the last.”
England Women head coach, Stuart Barrow, commented: “Firstly, congratulations to every player selected in our World Cup squad. The standard across the wider group has been outstanding throughout the season, which made the selection process incredibly challenging.
“At the start of the year, we set out a clear selection timeline with the players, outlining the standards, milestones and opportunities that would contribute to today’s selection. Throughout the season, we’ve had a number of England camps, we have travelled to France, and I’ve been present at all the Super Four games to assess the players in contention for selection.
“Narrowing our squad from 40 players to a final 23 has involved some difficult decisions, but we believe we have the right balance of experience and youth to compete on the world stage.
“It’s also an exciting moment for the programme with the inclusion of Australian-based heritage players for the first time. Bringing together talent from both the NRLW and the Women’s Super League gives us a unique blend of quality and experience, and we’re excited to see these players come together in an England shirt.
“Now our focus turns to preparation. We know the challenges that await at a World Cup, but we are travelling with a squad that believes in itself, embraces the responsibility of representing England, and is determined to make the nation proud.”
England Women’s 23-player squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Connie Boyd (Leeds Rhinos*), Amelia Brown (Huddersfield Giants), Ruby Bruce (Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan Warriors), Evie Cousins (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunnigham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Fran Goldthorp (North Queensland), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Molly Jones (Wigan Warriors), Hope Millard (Canterbury Bulldogs*), Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors), Lucie Sams (Wigan Warriors*), Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters*), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors), Liv Wood (York Valkyrie)
