Jasmin Strange named in England World Cup squad with four uncapped players

England have named Sydney Roosters forward Jasmin Strange in their 23-player squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with four players selected who have yet to make their international debuts. BBC Sport reported that the Australia-born second-rower has committed to England and qualifies through her mother, Adele.

Strange, 23, is preparing to play for the Roosters against Brisbane Broncos in Sunday’s NRLW Grand Final. Her father, John Strange, coaches the Roosters women and played for Featherstone during the 1990s. The other uncapped selections are Leeds Rhinos player Connie Boyd, Canterbury Bulldogs’ Hope Millard and Wigan Warriors’ Lucie Sams.

Five members of the squad play in the NRLW. Alongside Strange and Millard, England have selected Georgia Roche of Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders’ Hollie-Mae Dodd and dual-code international Fran Goldthorp. Goldthorp last represented England in rugby league at the 2022 World Cup, making this selection a return to the international squad in that code.

Strange’s call-up follows a change to international eligibility rules this year. According to BBC Sport, an International Rugby League ruling now permits players to represent more than one of Australia, New Zealand and England, the three tier-one nations. Head coach Stu Barrow has nevertheless stressed his desire to provide development opportunities for homegrown players.

Wigan supply nine members of the squad, including all three Woman of Steel nominees: Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams. York Valkyrie, the Grand Final winners, are represented by forward Liv Wood. St Helens pair Jodie Cunningham and Vicky Whitfield also feature; Cunningham will retire after the tournament, while Whitfield is heading to her fourth World Cup.

Barrow said reducing the initial group of 40 to a final 23 had required difficult selection decisions. He described the squad as combining younger players with experienced internationals and highlighted the first inclusion of Australian-based heritage players as an important development for the England programme.

England begin their group campaign against Wales in Perth on 17 October, then face Australia there on 24 October before meeting Samoa in Wollongong on 30 October. Two teams from the four-country group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for 7 and 8 November. The final will be played on 15 November.