Bluck could earn fourth-sport Wales cap in first World Cup squad
Hannah Bluck could represent Wales in a fourth sport after being selected for the country’s first Women’s Rugby League World Cup campaign. The Cardiff Demons player has already represented Wales in football, rugby union and basketball. Her selection does not yet give her a rugby league cap: she is one of six uncapped players in Tom Brindle’s 23-player squad, announced on Monday 28 September.
Wales World Cup squad
- Players selected
- 23
- Uncapped for Wales
- 6
- Cardiff Demons players
- 9
Dainton leads a squad with nine Demons
Wigan Warriors’ Bethan Dainton will captain Wales. Nine selections play for Cardiff Demons, including Bluck and fellow uncapped player Erin Williams. Leanne Burnell, Kathryn Salter and Emily Hughes bring a connection to the beginning of the international side: all three played in Wales women’s first rugby league match. Salter and Hughes are among four London Broncos players selected, alongside Ffion Lewis and Jade Mullen, following the club’s promotion to Super League on Sunday. York Valkyrie forward Agnes Wood is also included after her club’s Grand Final victory.
Six players waiting for a first Wales cap
Alongside Bluck and Erin Williams, the uncapped selections are Warrington Wolves winger Hollie Brussels, Canterbury Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston, North Queensland Cowboys winger Siân Williams and St Helens forward Paige Travis. Travis has seven England caps. She is uncapped for Wales, rather than new to international rugby league.
When Wales play
The opener against England is at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 17 October, with a 7.35am British Summer Time kick-off. Wales then face Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday 23 October at 7.45am BST. The final group match is against Australia at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 1 November at 4.40am GMT. These are the UK times published by Wales Rugby League; the final match falls after the clocks change.
The full squad
Cardiff Demons: Hannah Bluck, Leanne Burnell, Katie Carr, Lucia Davies, Jasmine Gibbons, Zoe Heeley, Frances Layton, Amberley Ruck, Erin Williams. London Broncos: Emily Hughes, Ffion Lewis, Jade Mullen, Kathryn Salter. Wigan Warriors: Bethan Dainton (captain), Carys Marsh. Huddersfield Giants: Georgia Cussions, Gracie Hobbs. St Helens: Dani McGifford, Paige Travis. Warrington Wolves: Hollie Brussels. Canterbury Bulldogs: Tayla Preston. North Queensland Cowboys: Siân Williams. York Valkyrie: Agnes Wood.