Hoyle-Holdsworth called-up to England Women squad for France clash

Hoyle-Holdsworth is one of four St Helens players called-up to the 19-strong squad, which also features six potential debutants, including 28-year-old Wigan Warriors middle Mary Coleman. A former rugby union player with Preston Grasshoppers, Coleman made her Wigan debut against Featherstone Rovers in the 2022 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup.

She was named in the England Knights Performance Squad later that year before progressing to the senior England set-up. She is selected alongside eight Wigan team-mates.

Tamzin Renouf represents York Valkyrie while Leeds Rhinos have five players included, with 20-year-old Evie Cousins selected after her try-scoring return from injury against Huddersfield Giants. A product of England’s DiSE programme, Cousins made her senior debut in 2024 and has continued to develop in 2025, scoring ten tries in 11 league and cup appearances.

Head coach Stuart Barrow said: “Selection has been very difficult, with so much quality on show during the opening rounds of the Betfred Women’s Super League.

“We have unfortunately lost a few players to injury, which is never ideal given their contribution this season and has created some positional headaches. However, that creates opportunities for others, and several players come into the squad for the first time after consistently impressing with their performances and attitude. They have earned this chance.

“Every international fixture is an opportunity to represent your country with pride, but this match is especially important as we build towards our opening game against Wales at the Rugby League World Cup in October.

“France away is always a tough challenge, and that is exactly the type of test we need at this stage of our preparations.

“While our immediate focus is on delivering a strong performance in France, every training session and camp over the coming months will help shape where we need to be when the World Cup begins.

“I’m excited by the group we’ve assembled and look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunity in Toulouse.”

England Women squad: Mia-Jayne Atherton (Wigan Warriors), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Ruby Bruce (Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan Warriors), Evie Cousins (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Ellise Derbyshire (Wigan Warriors), Ella Donnelly (Leeds Rhinos), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth (St Helens), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors).